Government moves to install CCTV on highways to curb road accidents

Road transport minister orders the removal of illegal occupants, including unauthorised markets and billboards from highways

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam has said the government has initiated a phased plan to install CCTV cameras across national, regional, and district highways to bolster security and reduce road accidents.

After a session at the Deputy Commissioners' (DC) Conference at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Monday, the minister described the annual toll of 4,500 to 5,000 road fatalities as "unwanted and unfortunate".

“This time, what we want is to bring the national highways under CCTV surveillance on a priority basis, followed by regional highways, and then district highways,” he said.

“We have taken plans, steps, and initiatives to implement this in phases. The work has already begun and is progressing step by step.”

Rabiul urged DCs to act on key road safety issues.

He ordered the removal of illegal occupants, including unauthorised markets and billboards, from highways.

He also warned against vehicle overloading, noting that trucks and covered vans often carry far beyond legal limits, and directed officials to curb such practices.

Additionally, he criticised the unplanned installation of speed breakers and instructed that they be set up only where technically justified.