With an aim to reduce the fatality in road traffic accident (RTA) and to make motorbike riders aware of the importance of wearing helmets, the Transport department and TRTC on  Friday distributed free helmets to bike riders and their pillion riders.

Transport Minister Sushanta Chowdhury after inauguration a voluntary blood donation camp at Radhanagar bus stand in Agartala, organized by Radhanagar Motorstand Development Society, participated in the free helmet distribution programme.

Later, speaking with media persons, Chowdhury said that the fatality due to road accidents is very big and the accidents over riding of two wheelers is also alarming. He said that a large number of motorbike riders along with their pillion riders suffered critical head injuries only in the absence of a helmet on their heads.

Now, the department has taken an initiative to distribute free helmets to helmetless riders along with an awareness campaign over the necessity of helmets, said Chowdhury. He also urged all bike and scooter riders and their pillion riders to always maintain the traffic rules by wearing helmets, which also protect their lives.

The department aims to raise public awareness about road safety and encourage motorbike riders  to understand the value of their lives over speed, said Chowdhury and added that  by wearing helmets, the riders can significantly reduce the risk of fatal accidents.

The free distribution of helmets has received massive positive feedback from the motorcycle riders who appreciated the government and the department’s commitment towards safety of citizens.

During the programme, Transport Commissioner,  Uttam Kumar Mandal, chairman of Tripura Road Transport Corporation (TRTC) Balai Goswami,  SP Traffic , Manik Das, local councilor Santana Saha and other officials were also present during the programme.