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Leaders
04-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Dammam Secures 1st International Road Safety Certification
In a significant milestone, the Eastern Province Municipality has received an official urban road safety certification from the International Road Assessment Program (iRAP), the first for Saudi Arabia. The iRAP Star Rating Certification marks a landmark achievement in the application of international road safety standards and a major boost for transport and logistics infrastructure in the Kingdom. The certification came after the assessment of around 700 kilometers of high-speed urban roadways within the Dammam Metropolitan Area, as part of Saudi Arabia Road Assessment Program (KSARAP) – a strategic national initiative under Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy. Using the iRAP methodology, the KSARAP assessment – conducted by Euro Group for Engineering Consultancy and overseen by the Eastern Province Municipality – found that 85% of the assessed network secured a 3-star or higher rating for vehicle occupants. The results mark a significant benchmark in urban road safety in Saudi Arabia and the entire Gulf region. It is also a powerful testament to the Kingdom's commitment to developing safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation systems. Moreover, the initiative's success underscores the value of collaboration between municipal authorities, global road safety organizations, and technical consultants. It also sets a model for other Saudi cities aspiring to meet international road safety standards. The Deputy Mayor for Projects and Constructions, Eng. Mazen Adel Bakhurji, received the official iRAP certificate and commemorative award on behalf of the Eastern Province Municipality. During the ceremony, Bakhurji said: 'This certification reflects our strategic commitment to traffic safety. Through integrated efforts and international collaboration, we are determined to reduce fatalities and elevate the safety of all road users.' Short link : Post Views: 24
Time of India
31-05-2025
- General
- Time of India
Busy Cuttack square scores ‘0' in pedestrian safety audit
Cuttack: Khannagar Square, one of the city's busiest intersections, has received a '0-star' pedestrian safety rating in a recent traffic audit, raising serious concerns among residents. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The audit, conducted by the Forum for Prevention of Road Accidents (FPRA) under the International Road Assessment Programme (iRAP) Star Rating Mobility Snapshot, revealed that the junction failed to meet even basic safety parameters. The audit report was submitted to Cuttack Municipal Corporation and the DCP last week. "Khannagar Square has become a death trap for pedestrians," said Bikash Mohapatra, adviser of FPRA and road safety expert. "It's alarming that authorities have allowed vehicle movement without basic safety measures like zebra crossings, signage, pedestrian signals and traffic lights." The square, situated along the Kathajodi river, serves as a crucial connection point between Cuttack Netaji Bus Terminal (CNBT), Badambadi market and Rajabagicha. Daily traffic includes over 10,000 buses and 25,000 other vehicles. Former ACP (traffic), Krushna Samal, emphasised the need for immediate intervention. "Authorities must reduce speed limits to 40 kmph, install speed bumps and rumble strips, and ensure strict enforcement of traffic rules," he said. Urban planner Ananya Rath highlighted the absence of basic infrastructure. "There are no proper street lights or signage. People are forced to dodge vehicles in pitch darkness," she said. Locals expressed frustration over the situation. "It's a life threat every time we try to cross the road," said Suraj Sahoo, a Rajabagicha resident. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Responding to concerns, Cuttack mayor Subhash Singh told TOI, "We will hold a meeting over the issue. Safety of pedestrians is non-negotiable, and we will soon initiate steps to improve lighting, signage, zebra crossings and overall infrastructure at Khannagar Square."
