Telangana Imposes Road Safety Cess, Stricter Rules to Curb Accidents

• Telangana government introduces 'Road Safety Cess' on new vehicles (excluding auto-rickshaws, tractors) to prevent accidents, as per Supreme Court directives.
• Quarterly tax on goods vehicles abolished; 7.5% lifetime tax implemented; driving license tests to become computer-based with advanced tracks.
• No more discounts on traffic challans; CM Revanth Reddy orders strict enforcement, citing discounts as a cause for negligence.
• Automatic bank deduction for traffic violations: vehicle owners' bank accounts to be linked during registration for immediate deductions.
• 'Rah Veer' award: Rs. 25,000 cash for individuals saving road accident victims; parents of minors causing accidents to face cases.