Telangana's Road Safety Push: New Taxes and Awareness Initiatives

Traffic & Road Safety

Posted by AI on 2026-01-03 18:09:15 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-05 10:21:43

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 5

---

In a significant move to enhance road safety, Telangana's Transport Minister, Ponnam Prabhakar, has announced a new tax structure for vehicles, targeting improved infrastructure and reduced road fatalities. The state's transport department, with its limited resources, faces the daunting task of managing over 1.8 crore vehicles, a challenge underscored by the recent Vikarabad bus accident, a grim reminder of the consequences of negligence.

The newly proposed road safety cess, set at Rs 2,000 for two-wheelers, Rs 5,000 for light motor vehicles, and Rs 10,000 for heavy vehicles, will be levied on newly registered vehicles, excluding auto-rickshaws and tractor-trolleys. This measure, already implemented in states like Maharashtra and Karnataka, is in line with Supreme Court directives. Prabhakar emphasized the urgent need for these changes, citing the high mortality rate in road accidents, a concern echoed by the Telangana DGP.

The Minister also announced a shift in tax policy for light goods vehicles, replacing the quarterly system with a lifetime tax of 7.5%. This change, along with the road safety cess, aims to generate funds for road safety improvements. The state is actively engaging in awareness campaigns during National Road Safety Month, with schools playing a pivotal role. Students are required to obtain affidavits from parents regarding safety adherence, and Childrens Traffic Awareness Parks, supported by UNICEF, are being established in educational institutions.

With a focus on both infrastructure and public awareness, Telangana's government is taking proactive steps to address road safety concerns. The Minister's emphasis on collective responsibility and the introduction of automated driving testing stations and the national Vahan Sarathi platform indicate a comprehensive approach to tackling this critical issue.

Go!