Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated preparations for a comprehensive road safety campaign, with a two-day workshop scheduled to be held shortly to formulate strategies for reducing road accidents and improving road safety across the state.
The first-phase preparatory meeting for the workshop was held under the chairmanship of Law, Works and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed the prevailing road accident scenario in different districts, examined the major causes behind the rising number of accidents, and discussed measures to minimise fatalities and injuries caused by road crashes.
Highlighting the need for a coordinated approach, Harichandan stressed the importance of identifying and scientifically managing accident-prone locations across the state. He called for the use of modern technology in the construction of safer roads and directed officials to ensure the development of pedestrian pathways in accordance with the guidelines of the Indian Roads Congress.
The minister also emphasised the preparation of district-wise road safety action plans through close coordination among the Works, Transport and other concerned departments. He underlined the need for improved roadside infrastructure, including designated parking facilities for heavy vehicles, wayside amenities and ambulance stations in accident-prone areas to facilitate quicker emergency response.
The proposed workshop is expected to bring together stakeholders from various departments to deliberate on long-term strategies for improving road safety and reducing accident-related fatalities in Odisha.
The meeting was attended by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary NBS Rajput, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, and senior officials of the Works Department, the National Highways Authority, and the Transport Department.
