In a unique citizen-driven governance move, the Government of Bihar has launched the “Gaddha Batao, ₹5,000 Pao” initiative starting today. Under this scheme, residents who report a verified pothole on state roads will receive a reward of ₹5,000.
The initiative aims to improve road infrastructure, ensure quicker pothole repairs, and enhance commuter safety across Bihar. By directly involving citizens in monitoring road conditions, the government seeks to create greater accountability and faster response mechanisms.
Officials stated that once a pothole is reported and verified by the concerned department, corrective measures will be initiated promptly, and the reporting citizen will be eligible for the financial reward.
The move reflects Bihar’s attempt to adopt participatory governance models where citizens become active stakeholders in infrastructure maintenance. Poor road conditions and potholes often lead to accidents, traffic disruptions, and vehicle damage — issues the scheme intends to address more efficiently.
With this initiative, Bihar joins a growing list of states experimenting with incentive-based reporting systems to strengthen transparency and service delivery.
Goa, February 2026: Amid rising road accident concerns, Zuno General Insurance (formerly Edelweiss General Insurance) has revived its road safety awareness initiative with an updated campaign titled “Talking Zebra Returns.” The activation comes as Goa recorded 430 road accidents in 2025, underscoring the need for sustained public awareness and behavioural change on roads.
Aligned with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Road Safety Awareness Month and IRDAI’s directive encouraging insurers to promote road safety, the campaign aims to make safe driving practices more engaging, visible, and memorable. This year’s edition adds a creative dimension by pairing the Talking Zebra with a mime artist, who visually demonstrates everyday road safety practices such as stopping at zebra crossings, wearing helmets, waiting for traffic signals, and yielding to pedestrians.
Unlike conventional awareness drives, the initiative adopts a positive reinforcement approach, acknowledging and appreciating commuters who follow traffic rules. The campaign is being rolled out at high-footfall traffic signals across eight cities — Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Goa and Guntur.
Speaking on the initiative, Shanai Ghosh, MD & CEO, Zuno General Insurance, said the company believes road safety is a shared responsibility and that positive nudges can play a powerful role in improving driving behaviour. She added that initiatives like Talking Zebra complement Zuno’s broader efforts, including its telematics-led SmartDrive motor insurance that rewards safe driving and offers crash-detection support through smartphone technology.
Highlighting the urgency of such initiatives, national data continues to place India among the countries with the highest road accident and fatality rates globally. Reports indicate that India witnesses an average of 53 crashes and 92 deaths every hour, with Goa alone recording over 1,000 accident-related deaths between 2019 and 2023.
Ketan Mankikar, Head of Marketing & Communications at Zuno General Insurance, noted that Talking Zebra has evolved into a platform that keeps road safety part of everyday public conversation. By recognising good driving behaviour through humour and human interaction, the campaign seeks to make responsible road use aspirational and visible.
With Talking Zebra Returns, Zuno General Insurance continues its efforts to move beyond awareness, encouraging safer roads through behavioural change, community engagement, and technology-led support systems.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken up the urgent issue of restricted movement of heavy commercial vehicles on NH-66, which has been adversely affecting air cargo operations to Goa International Airport, Dabolim, and Manohar International Airport, Mopa.
A GCCI delegation comprising Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee; Mr. Sanjay Amonkar, Director General, GCCI; Foreign Trade Officer Mr. Sanket Kaskar, GCCI; along with representatives from GMR, Mr. Purshottam and Mr. Satyajeet, met Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, North Goa, to discuss the operational challenges faced by exporters and importers due to traffic restrictions and ongoing infrastructure works on NH-66.
During the meeting, GCCI highlighted the severe difficulties faced by six-wheeler and above commercial vehicles transporting time-sensitive air cargo, particularly from key industrial estates. The restrictions have significantly impacted sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and e-commerce, where strict adherence to flight cut-off timings is critical.
GCCI requested the notification and opening of an alternative route on NH-66 to ensure uninterrupted daytime movement of heavy commercial vehicles, smooth connectivity to Manohar International Airport, Mopa, removal of abandoned vehicles obstructing traffic, and prevention of garbage dumping along the highway.
The delegation also drew attention to the increasing number of accidents on the Porvorim road amid ongoing infrastructure works. GCCI urged the deployment of dedicated traffic police personnel, stricter speed monitoring, improved road signage, creation of dedicated lanes where feasible, and awareness initiatives to promote safer road usage.
Emphasizing the need for stronger logistics infrastructure, GCCI called for the establishment of designated truck termini in both North and South Goa to address traffic congestion and unregulated parking. The Chamber further highlighted the issue of indiscriminate garbage dumping along highways, posing hygiene and safety risks, and sought stricter enforcement and improved waste management measures.
Additionally, GCCI requested stricter traffic regulation on the Dayanand Bandodkar Road from Divja Circle to the ferry point, where continuous traffic congestion is observed due to irregular parking and traffic rule violations. The Chamber also informed the Collector about rent-a-car vehicles and taxis occupying parking spaces in city areas, inconveniencing citizens visiting for work, and sought strict action against such violations.
Responding positively, Mr. Ankit Yadav, IAS, assured the delegation that the concerns raised would be examined in coordination with the concerned departments to arrive at a practical and workable solution. The proposed measures are expected to ease congestion and ensure smooth movement of goods to the GMR-operated Manohar International Airport, Mopa, thereby strengthening Goa’s air cargo ecosystem.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman – GCCI Logistics Committee, stated that improved logistics connectivity is crucial for sustaining Goa’s competitiveness in exports and trade. GCCI also expressed its willingness to participate in joint inspections or surveys to identify the most feasible alternative routes.
The initiative is expected to bring significant relief to exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, and logistics operators, reinforcing Goa’s position as a reliable hub for trade and air cargo movement.
The Goa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has taken a proactive step toward addressing pressing civic and infrastructure concerns in South Goa by submitting a detailed representation to Ms. Egna Cleetus, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate of South Goa. The initiative reflects GCCI’s growing involvement in ensuring smoother trade logistics, safer roads, and improved living and working conditions for the people of the region.
Led by Shri Chandrakant Gawas, Chairman of the GCCI Logistics Committee, the delegation met with the Collector and outlined a series of critical issues impacting the region’s development. The meeting underscored GCCI’s commitment to public welfare, responsible business, and collaborative governance, with an emphasis on urgent interventions and sustainable solutions.
The representation began by acknowledging the reopening of the Goa–Belgaum Road via Anmod, which had previously caused significant delays and disruptions for trade and commuters. While the reopening was welcomed, GCCI pressed for the completion of the remaining three-kilometre stretch at Ramnagar, highlighting that this small section continues to hinder seamless connectivity.
Concerns around road safety were also strongly raised, particularly the increasing number of accidents at Verna Junction. GCCI requested the deployment of permanent traffic police personnel at the junction to ensure disciplined vehicle movement and prevent future mishaps. In line with improving traffic management, the representation called for better monitoring of heavy vehicles through speed checks, upgraded road signage, dedicated lanes for goods transport, and road safety awareness campaigns.
Infrastructure issues were not limited to roads. GCCI voiced its concern about the deteriorating state of the Old Borim Bridge and requested a status update on the construction of the new bridge. The Chamber also made a strong case for the urgent establishment of dedicated truck terminuses in both North and South Goa to eliminate the chaos of haphazard parking and reduce congestion on key transport routes.
Civic issues such as indiscriminate garbage dumping along Airport Road, Railway Station Road, and national highways were flagged as health and environmental hazards. GCCI stressed the need for regular garbage collection, better waste management protocols, and stricter enforcement against violators.
A special focus was placed on the fishing community’s safety, especially in the wake of a recent boat accident where a fisherman saved 27 lives. GCCI recommended mandatory safety checks for fishing vessels after the monsoon, timely dissemination of weather alerts, the provision of life-saving gear, and periodic mock drills involving all relevant agencies. They also requested that the brave fisherman who undertook the rescue operation be formally recognised and felicitated for his heroic efforts.
The South Goa Collector assured GCCI that these matters would be looked into with urgency and would be brought to the attention of the respective departments for action. She also expressed her appreciation for GCCI’s initiative in taking up civic concerns on behalf of the business community and the public.
GCCI reiterated its readiness to support and collaborate with the district administration and other stakeholders in finding feasible, time-bound solutions to the raised issues. The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to work towards inclusive development, where industry growth is matched with improved infrastructure and public well-being.
The Department of Transport in Goa has issued a clear and stern warning to all vehicle owners across the state: affix your High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) immediately or face strict penalties. This comes after a recent inspection drive revealed widespread non-compliance, prompting authorities to announce intensified enforcement measures.
Under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, HSRPs are mandatory for all vehicles. These tamper-proof, standardised number plates are designed to enhance vehicle security, curb theft, and enable better enforcement of road safety laws.
To simplify the process, the department has authorised vehicle dealers to handle HSRP affixation directly. Additionally, vehicle owners can place orders through the official SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) portal.
The public notice urged all vehicle owners to complete the installation of HSRPs at the earliest to avoid fines or further action. The department is expected to launch stricter roadside checks and impose penalties on vehicles found in violation.
This enforcement drive signals the government’s commitment to implementing road safety norms and modernising vehicle identification systems. All motorists in Goa are advised to comply without delay.
