The first campaign of National Road Safety Month – 2026 was formally kick-started today at Border Security Force (BSF) Headquarters, Paloura this morning under the inspiring theme “Safety through Learning, Transformation through Technology.”
The programme forms an integral part of the United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety, reinforcing the global commitment to reducing road accidents and saving lives.
The event was organized by Commandant BSF in collaboration with the Transport Department Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Secretary to Government Transport Department Jammu & Kashmir Avny Lavasa graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Senior officers present on the occasion included Commandant BSF, Additional Transport Commissioner, Joint Transport Commissioner, Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, Assistant Transport Commissioner, Assistant Regional Transport Officer along with other distinguished officers of BSF and officials of the Transport Department. BSF personnel, their drivers and family members also participated enthusiastically in the programme.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest appreciated BSF Headquarters Paloura for taking this commendable initiative in collaboration with the Transport Department. She emphasized that road safety is not merely a departmental responsibility but a collective social obligation, deeply connected with human life, dignity and responsibility.
Highlighting the theme of the year, she stated that “Safety through Learning” underlines the importance of awareness knowledge of traffic rules and disciplined road behavior, while “Transformation through Technology” focuses on the role of modern innovations such as intelligent traffic systems, digital enforcement, simulators and data-driven policies in making roads safer and smarter.
The Chief Guest reiterated the commitment of the Transport Department, Jammu & Kashmir towards promoting road safety through the four pillars of Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency Care. Various initiatives such as awareness campaigns, school and college outreach programmes, skill-based driver training, and technology-driven solutions were highlighted as ongoing efforts in this direction.
As part of the programme, on-the-spot Driving Licence Trial Tests of around 50 BSF personnel were conducted, underscoring the importance of competence, discipline and accountability behind the wheel. It was emphasized that a driving licence is not merely a document but a certificate of trust bestowed by society.
The audience was reminded that road safety is sustained not only by laws and enforcement but by everyday choices such as wearing helmets and seatbelts, avoiding distractions, respecting speed limits, and exercising patience on the road. Special emphasis was laid on the role of youth as drivers of change, setting examples through responsible behavior.
On the occasion, Surinder Kumar, Motor Vehicle Inspector, delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation with video display on road safety awareness, highlighting accident data, major causes of road accidents and preventive measures.
The campaign, launched from BSF Headquarters, Paloura, will be carried forward across the entire Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during National Road Safety Month – 2026.
The programme concluded with a call for sustained collective efforts to ensure safer roads, safer journeys and a safer future for all, and with the formal inauguration of National Road Safety Month – 2026.