Tag: Road Safety

Automobiles

Goa Auto Dealers Push for Reforms, Meet Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho

allycaralgoa

PANAJI – The Goa Automobile Dealers Association, under the leadership of its President Mr. Rajesh Khaunte, held a crucial meeting with Hon. Minister for Transport, Shri Mauvin Godinho, to advocate for reforms aimed at resolving persistent challenges in the state’s automobile sector.

The association highlighted key issues, including the need for:

  • Greater representation of industry stakeholders on State Transport and Road Safety bodies
  • Streamlined and digitised processes to reduce delays and inefficiencies in vehicle registration

“The Minister was very co-operative and receptive,” said Mr. Khaunte. “He has assured his full support and promised to look into our concerns, especially the complete digitisation of the vehicle registration process — a move that will benefit both dealers and citizens.”

This meeting is seen as a step toward building a collaborative relationship between policymakers and the auto industry to foster transparency, efficiency, and innovation in public services. The association also emphasised the importance of safety, accountability, and local participation in shaping future road transport policy in Goa.

With this dialogue, the Goa Automobile Dealers Association reaffirms its commitment to driving progress and ensuring the voices of its members are heard at the policy level.

Social

Vedanta Sesa Goa Enhances Road Safety with Reflective Collars for Stray Cattle

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

In a unique and impactful step towards enhancing road safety and community well-being, Vedanta Sesa Goa – Value Added Business (VAB) has rolled out a reflective collar drive for stray cattle in the villages of Amona and Navelim, Goa. The initiative is part of Vedanta’s TACO (Towards A Conscious Operation) program and was conducted in partnership with Maina Dairy Society.

Titled “Lighting the Way to Safer Roads,” the initiative targets one of the most overlooked yet dangerous causes of night-time road accidents in rural areas — stray cattle. With the increasing number of vehicles on rural roads, cattle wandering at night pose serious safety risks. The reflective collars make the animals highly visible in low-light conditions, significantly reducing the risk of accidents for both drivers and animals.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the local community, traffic officials, and Vedanta employees. Notable attendees included Mr. Saptesh Sardesai, CEO of VAB, Mr. Sadanand, PSI of the Traffic Cell, and Maina Dairy Society representatives Mr. Shivanand Naik and Mr. Sundar Naik. Their presence underscored the collective effort required to address such critical issues.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Saptesh Sardesai remarked,

“This initiative is not just about preventing accidents — it’s about valuing every life, human or animal, and fostering safer communities through simple yet effective interventions.”

The drive is part of Vedanta’s larger commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability, combining safety, innovation, and local partnerships to solve grassroots challenges.

By focusing on collaborative problem-solving and community-led awareness, Vedanta continues to demonstrate how responsible corporate action can make a tangible difference in the everyday lives of people.

As roads across India become busier, initiatives like this offer a scalable model for rural safety and welfare, reminding us that impactful change often begins with small, thoughtful steps — or in this case, a collar that glows in the dark.

Automobiles

Two Helmets Now Mandatory with Every New Two-Wheeler Purchase in India

allycaralgoa

In a landmark decision aimed at improving road safety, the Government of India has announced that all new two-wheeler sales must include two helmets — one for the rider and one for the pillion passenger. This regulation has been issued under the Motor Vehicles Act and is now in effect across the country.

Why the Rule?

India witnesses one of the highest numbers of road accidents in the world, with two-wheeler riders and pillion passengers accounting for a significant portion of fatalities. According to transport ministry data, a large number of deaths occur due to the non-use of helmets, especially among pillion riders.

Until now, only one helmet was required at the time of sale — usually for the rider. The new rule ensures that the pillion passenger is also equally protected from the very beginning.

Key Highlights:

  • Two Helmets at Sale: Every two-wheeler dealer must provide two BIS-certified helmets with every new vehicle purchase.
  • Safety for All: This initiative emphasizes equal safety for both rider and pillion passenger.
  • Strict Enforcement: Dealers failing to comply with the rule may face penalties or lose their licenses.
  • BIS Certification Required: The helmets must conform to safety standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Dealers and Manufacturers React

Several dealers have welcomed the move, though some raised concerns about pricing. Manufacturers are likely to bundle the cost into the vehicle price or offer helmet options to buyers. Some brands have already begun offering branded helmets as part of their promotional strategies.

What Buyers Should Know

If you’re planning to buy a two-wheeler:

  • Ensure you receive two BIS-approved helmets at the time of delivery.
  • Check for safety certifications on the helmets.
  • Helmets must fit properly — request the right size from the dealer.

The Bigger Picture

This is a part of India’s ongoing push towards safer mobility. Combined with stricter helmet checks, speed monitoring, and awareness campaigns, this regulation hopes to bring down the alarming rates of head injuries and fatalities on Indian roads.

Politics

Innovative Proposal: Indian Musical Instruments as Vehicle Horns

allycaralgoa

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has proposed a groundbreaking law that would require vehicle horns to use traditional Indian musical instruments. This initiative aims to reduce noise pollution and promote India’s rich cultural heritage.


The proposal suggests replacing traditional vehicle horns with sounds from Indian musical instruments, such as:

  • Flute: A soothing and melodious sound that could replace the harsh noise of traditional horns.
  • Tabla: A percussion instrument that could add a rhythmic touch to vehicle horns.
  • Violin: A string instrument that could produce a pleasant and harmonious sound.
  • Harmonium: A keyboard instrument that could create a unique and melodious sound.


The primary objectives of this proposal are:

  • Reduce noise pollution: By replacing traditional horns with musical sounds, the proposal aims to decrease noise pollution in urban areas.
  • Promote Indian culture: The initiative seeks to promote India’s rich cultural heritage by incorporating traditional musical instruments into everyday life.
  • Enhance road safety: The proposal also aims to ensure that vehicle horns are used judiciously and do not contribute to noise pollution.


If implemented, the proposal would require significant changes to the automotive industry. Vehicle manufacturers would need to design and install new horn systems that incorporate Indian musical instruments. Additionally, there would be a need for standardization and regulation to ensure that the musical horns meet safety and noise pollution standards.


The proposal to use Indian musical instruments as vehicle horns is an innovative and unique initiative. While there are challenges to implementation, the potential benefits to noise pollution and cultural promotion make it an interesting concept worth exploring further.