Cuttack/Bhubaneswar/Kandhamal: With winter accidents on ghat roads becoming an increasing cause of concern, the State Transport Authority (STA) has introduced an experimental sensor-based warning siren system at Kalinga Ghat in Kandhamal district. The initiative, developed in collaboration with IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to alert drivers by activating sirens whenever a vehicle approaches from either side of the ghat, helping motorists navigate the fog-prone stretch more safely.
Authorities said accident numbers typically spike during winter due to dense fog and increased holiday travel, particularly picnics. To address this seasonal surge, the Commerce and Transport Department has launched a four-month road safety campaign focusing on awareness drives, strict enforcement, and roadside night-time tea distribution to help drivers stay alert.
However, to specifically tackle the challenges on ghat roads—where blind curves, steep slopes and fog make driving especially risky—the state government turned to technical solutions. IIT Bhubaneswar was tasked with developing a mechanism, resulting in the new sensor-based siren system.
Implemented initially on a trial basis, the system’s effectiveness will be assessed before permanent installation. Officials said similar technology-driven interventions may be introduced at other identified black spots across Odisha. The government is also exploring partnerships with reputed national institutions to expand such solutions statewide.
The Commerce and Transport Department reiterated that its primary objective is to minimize road accidents and save as many lives as possible through proactive, technology-supported road safety measures.
