Jharkhand News : In a major step towards improving road safety and developing skilled drivers, the Jharkhand government on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Transport Department and Tata Motors at Project Building, Ranchi.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Hemant Soren said that the initiative will provide modern technology-based driving training to the youth of the state and help reduce road accidents. He said that efforts had been underway for several years to establish an advanced driving training centre in Jharkhand, and the long-awaited initiative has now become a reality with the support of Tata Motors.
The new training centre will be equipped with modern technology, where trainees will receive practical training in safe driving techniques, road safety rules, and technical knowledge of new-generation vehicles. The Chief Minister said the centre will not remain limited to teaching driving skills but will emerge as a specialised institute for road safety and modern vehicle technology training.
Hemant Soren informed that more than 10,000 learning and driving licences had already been issued before the signing of the MoU. He said the department had earlier been directed to clear all pending applications at the earliest. Stressing the need for a simple and transparent licensing system, the Chief Minister said obtaining heavy vehicle licences remains more challenging compared to light vehicle licences. He instructed the Transport Department to give priority to training and licensing of heavy vehicle drivers.
Sharing his experience of vehicle training facilities in Sweden, the Chief Minister said that developed countries have advanced road safety technologies, including sensor-based safety systems in vehicles. He emphasized the need to incorporate modern technology into driving training programmes in India as well.
The Chief Minister said that while Jharkhand is witnessing significant improvement in road infrastructure, the increasing number of road accidents remains a matter of concern. He stated that scientifically designed training and skilled drivers can play an important role in reducing accidents.
Concluding the programme, Hemant Soren said that the responsibility of the Transport Department is extensive. He expressed confidence that the partnership with Tata Motors will create new employment opportunities for the youth, develop skilled drivers, and provide a new direction to road safety measures in Jharkhand.
