Punjab has taken another meaningful step toward safer roads and stronger governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The state’s Traffic and Road Safety Wing has launched an initiative called “Hauli Chalo,” meaning “Drive Slowly,” to make rural roads safer and to create a culture of responsible driving. The campaign was officially launched by Special DGP A.S. Rai at the Bhago Majra Toll Plaza, where reflector stickers were placed on tractor-trolleys to increase nighttime visibility. This initiative represents both a technological upgrade and a compassionate step that prioritizes the well-being of farmers.
The campaign’s first phase will see 30,000 tractor-trolleys fitted with reflector stickers, improving safety along more than 4,000 kilometers of Punjab’s road network. Supported by Yara India and executed by the State Safety Force, the project highlights how the Mann government’s focus on development goes beyond law enforcement to include citizen safety, particularly for farmers who drive Punjab’s economy.
Between 2017 and 2022, Punjab recorded over two thousand tractor-trolley accidents, which claimed more than fifteen hundred lives. Most victims were farmers, underscoring the urgent need for road safety reform in rural areas. The government viewed these numbers as a wake-up call and launched “Hauli Chalo” as part of a larger effort to protect those working in the state’s agricultural heartland.
Special DGP Rai described the initiative as more than a safety measure, calling it a public awareness movement. He explained that poorly visible tractor-trolleys are a common cause of night-time crashes, especially in rural zones. The use of reflectors will make these vehicles visible from afar, significantly reducing collisions and promoting awareness among drivers about road safety practices.
Punjab’s overall road safety record is already showing improvement. Data from 2024 reveals a noticeable decline in accident-related deaths within the first day after a crash. Officials credit this to the state government’s comprehensive approach that blends awareness programs, better infrastructure, and strict law enforcement.
The timing of this campaign is particularly crucial as it coincides with the harvesting season when tractors are frequently on the move and fog reduces visibility. All State Safety Force units are taking part, ensuring the message of road safety reaches every corner of Punjab’s countryside.
Beyond its immediate purpose, the “Hauli Chalo” campaign connects directly to the rural lifestyle and the pride of Punjab’s farmers. Making farming equipment safer is also a way of showing respect to those who feed the nation. Under Chief Minister Mann’s vision, Punjab is not only leading in agriculture but also in ensuring that every farmer’s journey from field to market is safe and dignified.
“Hauli Chalo” is more than a slogan—it captures a new spirit of responsibility on Punjab’s roads. It encourages citizens to drive slowly, act responsibly, and value life above haste, marking a new chapter in the state’s commitment to safety and progress.
