Lord ‘Yamraj’ on Jamshedpur roads spreads awareness on traffic

Person dressed as Yamraj warns drivers: Unique campaign promotes road safety

‘Yamraj’ offers roses to boost traffic safety

Jamshedpur: As part of the campaign, a person dressed as ‘Yamraj’—the god of death in Indian mythology—engaged with drivers who violated traffic rules near Jubilee Park and other traffic checkpoints across the city. This symbolic representation served as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless driving. ‘Yamraj’ appealed to the violators to follow traffic rules, emphasizing “road safety equals survival.”

In a creative and impactful initiative, the district administration, under the leadership of District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner  Ananya Mittal, launched a unique road safety awareness campaign as part of Road Safety Month. The campaign, running from January 1 to January 31, 2025, aims to educate vehicle drivers about the importance of adhering to traffic rules to ensure safety and reduce road accidents.

In a bid to mix humor with awareness, violators were shamed by being garlanded and handed roses, driving home the seriousness of the message without resorting to punitive measures.

Key officials, including District Transport Officer  Dhananjay, Traffic DSP  Neeraj Kumar, MVI  Suraj Hembram,  Nishant Mahato, and  Ishwar Lal Saw, were actively involved in the campaign. They were joined by DRSM  Prakash Kumar Giri and Road Engineering Analyst  Naveen Kumar. Together with traffic station in-charges, the team conducted investigations and ensured the smooth execution of the campaign.

The campaign focused on promoting the following traffic rules and safety measures: Mandatory use of helmets for two-wheeler riders. Compulsory seat belts for four-wheeler and heavy vehicle drivers. Adherence to prescribed speed limits. Avoidance of overloading vehicles.

Drivers were also educated about the causes of road accidents and the importance of eliminating risky behaviors such as illegal parking. Specific areas, including City Inn Hotel, Pardih, and Dimna Chowk, were targeted for action against illegal parking.

The innovative approach attracted significant attention from the public. Many drivers appreciated the creative method of spreading awareness, acknowledging that the campaign’s mix of humor and symbolism left a lasting impression.

District officials reiterated their commitment to making roads safer for everyone. “This campaign is not just about enforcement but also about changing mindsets. We hope that such unique initiatives encourage people to prioritize safety,” said  Dhananjay, District Transport Officer.

“ With several weeks remaining in Road Safety Month, the district administration plans to roll out more such innovative initiatives to ensure greater compliance with traffic rules. Citizens are encouraged to actively participate and pledge to follow traffic regulations for a safer Jamshedpur,” said an official.