NEW DELHI: In a landmark step toward road safety and public welfare, the Punjab Police Traffic and Road Safety Wing, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has launched the “Hauli Chalo” (Drive Slowly) campaign. This initiative aims to strengthen road safety across Punjab’s rural areas, particularly for farmers and tractor-trolley operators.
The campaign was inaugurated by Special DGP A.S. Rai at the Bhago Majra Toll Plaza, where reflector stickers were installed on tractor-trolleys. In its first phase, 30,000 tractor-trolleys will be fitted with reflector stickers, covering approximately 4,100 kilometers of rural roads. Supported by Yara India and implemented by the State Safety Force (SSF), the project reflects the Mann government’s farmer-friendly and citizen-centric approach.
Between 2017 and 2022, 2,048 tractor-trolley accidents resulted in 1,569 fatalities, mostly affecting farmers. Recognizing this alarming trend, the Mann government introduced “Hauli Chalo” as both a safety initiative and public awareness movement. Reflective stickers will make tractor-trolleys visible during night hours, significantly reducing the risk of accidents.
Special DGP A.S. Rai emphasized that the campaign is designed to instill a culture of road safety in rural areas. Early reports from 2024 already indicate a decline in accident fatalities, highlighting the effectiveness of combining enforcement, road engineering, and public awareness.
All SSF units across Punjab are participating simultaneously, ensuring coverage during the critical harvesting season when tractor visibility is often reduced by foggy mornings and evenings. The campaign also underscores the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ lives while supporting the rural economy.
Under Chief Minister Mann’s leadership, “Hauli Chalo” embodies the ethos of “Safe Farming, Safe Farmers”, ensuring that the journey from field to market is safer for Punjab’s agricultural community. The campaign reflects a forward-thinking approach where government initiatives and citizen participation jointly contribute to saving lives and promoting responsible driving.
