YINGKIONG : The first meeting of the District Highway Safety Task Force (DHSTF), Upper Siang, was held at the DC Office Conference Hall here on Monday to discuss implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for periodic inspection and patrolling to prevent unauthorised parking of heavy commercial vehicles on National Highways.

The meeting was convened in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India in Suo Motu Writ Petition (Civil) No. 9 of 2025, In Re: Phalodi Accident Case.

Chairing the meeting, Upper Siang Deputy Commissioner Talo Jerang outlined the key provisions of the SOP and discussed measures for its effective implementation in the district.

The DC directed the Highway Division to conduct a survey and identify suitable locations along the Yingkiong-Pasighat stretch of National Highway-513 (NH-513) for developing designated lay-bys and wayside amenities. He also called for identification of vulnerable and accident-prone stretches and locations where unauthorised parking of heavy and commercial vehicles is frequently reported.

Jerang stressed strict compliance with the SOP and called for close coordination among all concerned departments and agencies to ensure effective enforcement and improve road safety.

Zilla Parishad Chairperson Api Kombo, Upper Siang Superintendent of Police Token Saring and officers of the Highway Division, Pasighat, shared suggestions on road safety measures and maintenance of the Yingkiong-Pasighat section of NH-513.

The task force also discussed provisions relating to periodic inspection and patrolling, identification of vulnerable locations, prevention of unauthorised parking of heavy commercial vehicles and coordinated enforcement measures.

The SOP assumes significance following the November 2, 2025 Phalodi accident in Rajasthan, in which a bus carrying pilgrims reportedly collided with a stationary trailer truck on the Bharatmala Highway, resulting in 15 deaths and injuries to several others.

Members of the DHSTF and representatives of concerned departments attended the meeting.