To expedite preparedness for the upcoming ‘Kawad Yatra’, a review meeting through Video Conferencing was held today by NHAI with the officials from state administration.

NHAI Chairman, Shri Santosh Kumar Yadav led this initiative. 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 participated in the meeting. Concerned officials from NHAI Field offices in the state of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand also attended the meeting.

The meeting aimed to address various issues pertaining to the route of the ‘Kawad Yatra’ such as water logging, potholes, ensuring adequate/additional street lighting, illegal cuts on the highways, implementation of short-term road safety measures and road signages, etc.

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’.

Shri Vishal Chauhan, Member (Administration), NHAI directed NHAI field offices to ensure safety of the commuters and pilgrims around under construction projects, ensure barricading, provide proper diversions, install reflective boards & signages at the dark spots, drainage covers, closure of the unauthorized cuts and prominently display contact details of emergency service providers like the ambulances and cranes. Also, clean toilets & public conveniences for the pilgrims should be ensured.

The meeting also highlighted the collaborative approach between different government agencies to enhance coordination for smooth conduct of the religious and community events.

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GDH/HR

Kawad Press Release