Himachal Pradesh Transport Minister G.S. Bali on Monday favoured a national road transport policy to minimise the risks of accidents.
Speaking at meeting of the National Road Safety Council and Transport Development Council here, he stressed on formulating an effective national policy in coordination with the states to meet out the requirements of the transport sector and as per the aspirations of the commuters.
The meeting was attended among others by state transport ministers.
Thanking union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for sanctioning funds to the tune of Rs.887 crore for four-laning of the national highway 22 in the state, he said the hilly and backward states should be given priority in infrastructural development.
Bali also requested the union minister to consider the tough topography and weather conditions of the hilly states like Himachal Pradesh while finalizing and approving the road projects.
Expressing concern over the rising road accidents and pollution, he appreciated the government's efforts to give special emphasis on road safety in the proposed Road Transport and Safety Bill, saying its provisions would go a long way in saving valuable human lives.