Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Transport Department marked Rakhi Purnima with a road safety awareness campaign in Bhubaneswar, using the festival’s message of protection to encourage motorists to make safety a priority on the roads.
The campaign, held at Esplanade Mall, saw Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur felicitate drivers and riders who were observed adhering to traffic regulations and demonstrating responsible road behaviour. Appreciation certificates and gifts were presented to the selected road users as part of the initiative.
Two-wheeler riders travelling with both the rider and pillion wearing helmets, car occupants using seat belts, and motorists carrying valid documents and complying with traffic rules were among those recognised during the programme.
While the department routinely takes enforcement action against traffic violations and issues challans, officials said positive recognition of rule-abiding citizens was also necessary to promote safer practices.
The initiative seeks to motivate more road users to follow traffic regulations and contribute to building a stronger culture of road safety across Odisha.
Road safety experts Subrat Nanda and Amiyabala Parida attended the programme as guests, while members of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris extended their support to the campaign.
Additional Transport Commissioners Diptiranjan Patra and Samarendra Patnaik, Joint Transport Commissioners Bikash Choudhury and Ramanivas Sirkha, senior police officer Umakanta Pradhan, Bhubaneswar-I RTO Manas Mishra and Bhubaneswar-II RTO Pranaya Mishra were among the officials present.
Transport officials urged citizens to wear helmets, use seat belts and comply with traffic rules. They also cautioned motorists against driving under the influence of alcohol and called for responsible behaviour towards other road users.
The department said the campaign sought to draw a parallel between Rakhi Purnima, which symbolises a pledge to protect loved ones, and road safety, which represents a shared responsibility to protect oneself, one’s family and fellow commuters.
