Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has stepped up road safety measures ahead of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, including isolated extremely heavy rain, in parts of the state on September 23 and 24.
Acting on the directions of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and the guidelines of the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been placed on high alert and instructed to regulate, divert or suspend vehicle movement on stretches rendered unsafe by flooding, waterlogging, landslides or poor visibility.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur held a video conference with RTOs and directed officials to maintain round-the-clock coordination with district administrations, police, road-owning agencies and other emergency services during the adverse weather.
Particular emphasis has been placed on night-time traffic, with RTOs asked to closely monitor low-lying areas, submerged crossings, bridges, culverts, underpasses, ghat roads and landslide-prone stretches and keep alternative routes ready.
Vehicle movement will not be allowed through stretches where flowing or submerged water poses a risk. Traffic will be stopped or diverted in coordination with the competent authorities and restored only after the road-owning agency and police certify the route as safe.
RTOs have also been directed to run control rooms during the warning period and issue route-specific advisories on closures, diversions, safe halting points and movement restrictions through transport associations, bus operators, terminals, media and official communication channels.
Transport authorities will coordinate with police and highway agencies for enhanced night patrolling along vulnerable corridors. Public and private bus operators, goods carriers, taxi and auto associations and school transport operators will be advised to review night departures and defer, divert or suspend services wherever necessary.
Cranes and recovery vehicles will be stationed near vulnerable highway stretches, while coordination will be maintained with Fire Services, medical services, NHAI and other emergency agencies for quick response.
The Transport Department has urged motorists and operators to avoid unnecessary travel through vulnerable routes, particularly at night, maintain safe speeds and adequate distance, and refrain from attempting to cross flowing water or submerged roads.
The department said the safety of passengers, drivers and the general public remains its top priority during the adverse weather conditions.
