Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has made the use of life jackets mandatory for all passengers travelling in boats operating in the State’s inland waters, following a high-level review of safety measures chaired by the Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department, on Sunday.
Taking serious note of recent capsizing incidents, the meeting reviewed existing safety protocols in detail. It was attended by senior officials from the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB), Tourism Department, Fisheries & ARD Department, Forest, Environment & Climate Change Department, and other line departments.
Officials were directed to ensure strict compliance with safety norms, including compulsory wearing of life jackets by all passengers upon boarding. It was also instructed that all operational boats must be equipped with adequate life jackets matching passenger capacity, along with life buoys and fire safety equipment as per prescribed standards.
The Chair stressed the need for intensified enforcement and ordered authorities to carry out regular surprise inspections of boat operations. Strict punitive action will be taken against operators found overloading vessels or failing to ensure compliance with safety requirements.
The meeting also highlighted government support under the Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Suraksha Yojana, under which life-saving equipment such as life jackets, life buoys and fire extinguishers are provided free of cost to government boats and at a 95 per cent subsidy to private operators.
A coordinated approach involving multiple departments, including Fisheries & ARD, Tourism, and Forest & Environment, was also emphasized to ensure comprehensive safety coverage across all inland water transport operations.
Reiterating its commitment to passenger safety, the Government of Odisha said safeguarding lives of citizens and tourists using inland waterways remains a top priority. Operators and passengers have been urged to cooperate fully with authorities in maintaining strict safety discipline on all routes.
