Sabarimala: The Safe Zone project initiated by the MVD in connection with the Sabarimala pilgrimage has helped reduce road mishaps.
According to MVD officials, accident rates have come down by at least 10 per cent in the initial four weeks this season compared to the corresponding period last time.
“There was no major accident in the Safe Zone area covering over 300 km. Only 29 minor mishaps were reported so far,” Aby John, Pathanamthitta Regional Transport Officer, said.
Last year, the accident rate had come down by four per cent compared to 2011-12. But this time, the MVD is confident of further reducing the rate.
The Safe Zone cell responded to over 2,000 distress calls and provided help,” P.D. Sunil Babu, nodal officer, Safe Zone, said.
Under the programme, information about vehicle breakdown or other distress messages are received from patrolling teams or through helpline numbers. The MVD inspectors from the control room then give direction to the service team.
Seventeen major automotive companies, including Ashok Leyland, TATA, Mahindra, Toyota and Maruti, have opened their mobile workshops along with mechanical staff and spare parts for attending to breakdowns and repair.
“The customers should pay the cost of the spare parts and other materials used for repairs,” the officer said.
The current flow of the vehicles (both inflow and outflow) as per the statics available with the MVD is 46,000 per day. The Safe zone covers Pathanamthitta-Pampa, Elavumkal- Erumely, Pullikunnu-Mundakkayam and Koratty-Ponkunnam from November 15 to January 20.
