The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently conducted a video conference meeting with state officials to discuss and expedite preparations for the upcoming Kawad Yatra. This meeting aimed to ensure a smooth and safe journey for pilgrims.
High-level meeting for Kawad Yatra preparations
A high-level meeting for Kawad Yatra preparations was recently conducted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), bringing together key officials from various departments to discuss and finalize logistical arrangements for the upcoming pilgrimage.
NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, led this initiative along with Shri Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration) NHAI; Principal Secretary, Public Works Department – U.P; Commissioner Saharanpur, Shri Atal Kumar Rai; Commissioner Moradabad, Shri Aunjaneya Kumar Singh; Commissioner Meerut, Dr. Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod; District Magistrates, Police officials, PWD officials from the districts falling on the Kawad route also participated in the meeting. Concerned officials from NHAI Field offices in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand also attended the meeting.
Key issues addressed for smooth Kawad Yatra
The meeting focused on resolving key issues along the Kawad Yatra route, including fixing potholes and water logging, improving street lighting, removing illegal highway cuts, implementing short-term road safety measures, and installing clear road signage to ensure a safer and smoother journey for pilgrims.
NHAI’s preparatory measures for Kawad Yatra
Addressing the meeting, NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav, urged the participants to make adequate arrangements to ensure smooth conduct of the ‘Kawad Yatra’ with minimal disruption to both the road users and the pilgrims. He also directed NHAI officials to coordinate with the local administration and deploy adequate patrol vehicles, ambulances, cranes, and ensure staff availability at the toll plazas to assist the pilgrims and efficiently manage traffic flow along the route of the ‘Kawad Yatra’.
NHAI’s safety and service initiatives
NHAI’s Member (Administration), Shri Vishal Chauhan, instructed field offices to prioritize safety and convenience for commuters and pilgrims by ensuring proper barricading and signage around construction sites, providing clear diversions and reflective boards in dark areas, closing unauthorized highway cuts, displaying emergency contact information for services like ambulances and cranes, and maintaining clean toilets and public facilities for pilgrims.
The meeting also highlighted the collaborative approach between different government agencies to enhance coordination for the smooth conduct of the religious and community events.
