Acting PM Novikov states need to switch regional and int’l road services to round-the-clock regime

Bishkek, Nov. 17, 2020. /Kabar/. “There is need to switch all services involved in servicing of regional and international highways to round-the-clock operating mode, Acting Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Artem Novikov said at a meeting on ensuring road safety in the winter period.

"Weather conditions in the country have sharply deteriorated. This will particularly affect dangerous road sections and passes. We must take exhaustive measures to rule out negative scenarios for the movement of vehicles on the roads. For this purpose, all services should switch to a reinforced mode of operation. All sections, especially the most dangerous ones, should be timely cleared of snow drifts," Novikov noted.

According to the Ministry of Transport and Roads of the republic, inert and fuel and lubricants have been purchased in sufficient quantities. There is a lack of special equipment for clearing the roads, currently the issue is being resolved. In general, readiness for the winter period is estimated at 80%.

At the end of the meeting, First Deputy PM Artem Novikov instructed the Transport Ministry to strengthen outreach among drivers of cars and heavy vehicles about the observance of safety measures on the roads, especially in dangerous areas, the need to use winter tires, as well as anti-slip chains if necessary.

The Internal Ministry has been instructed to ensure, if necessary, a schedule of road closures at passes.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations has been entrusted to organize warming posts, as well as medical aid points near dangerous sections of highways of international importance.