Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): In another historic step toward good governance and public safety, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Traffic and Road Safety Wing of the Punjab Police has launched the “Hauli Chalo” (Drive Slowly) campaign. This unique initiative marks a milestone in strengthening road safety across Punjab’s rural areas. The campaign was inaugurated by Special DGP A.S. Rai at the Bhago Majra Toll Plaza, where reflector stickers were affixed to tractor-trolleys. This step is not only technically impactful but also symbolizes the Mann government’s compassionate and farmer-friendly approach.
In its first phase, reflector stickers will be installed on 30,000 tractor-trolleys, covering nearly 4,100 kilometers of Punjab’s road network. Supported by Yara India and implemented by the State Safety Force (SSF), this project demonstrates that the Punjab Government’s focus now extends beyond mere traffic regulation — prioritizing the safety of citizens, especially farmers, who form the backbone of the state.
Statistics from 2017 to 2022 show 2,048 tractor-trolley accidents leading to 1,569 deaths — a grim reminder of the dangers on rural roads. Most victims were farmers — the very soul of Punjab. CM Mann’s government treated these numbers as an “alarm bell,” responding with strong policy measures and awareness drives. “Hauli Chalo” is a major step in this direction, signifying that Punjab will now lead not just in agricultural output but also in ensuring farmer safety.
Special DGP A.S. Rai emphasized that this is not merely a safety initiative but a “public awareness movement.” In rural regions, unlit or non-reflective tractor-trolleys often cause nighttime accidents. With reflector stickers, such vehicles will now be visible from a distance — drastically reducing accidents and instilling a new culture of road safety awareness among citizens.
According to Punjab Police reports, 2024 saw a remarkable decline in road accident fatalities, especially those occurring within the first 24 hours after a crash. This improvement is not a statistical coincidence but a result of the Mann Government’s farsighted policy approach, which integrates enforcement, road engineering, and public awareness.
Notably, all SSF units across Punjab are participating in this campaign simultaneously. Given the ongoing harvesting season, this timing is crucial, as tractor visibility often decreases during foggy morning and evening hours. Launching “Hauli Chalo” now is a direct step toward protecting farmers’ lives during this critical period.
The Punjab Government has also linked this initiative to the rural economy and agricultural lifestyle. Installing reflectors is not just about safety — it’s about upholding the dignity of farming itself. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, Punjab is moving into a new era of “Safe Farming, Safe Farmers” — where the journey from field to market becomes safer and more aware.
Ultimately, “Hauli Chalo” is not just a slogan — it represents Punjab’s new mindset: Drive Slowly, Drive Safely, Save Lives. The campaign reflects a progressive Punjab where government and citizens together are turning safety
