Bhubaneswar: The state has witnessed an average of 11,366 road accidents annually over the past five years, according to data presented in the state assembly on Thursday.
A written reply by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena to a question by BJD Rairakhol MLA Prasanna Acharya revealed that 10,008 people were injured and 5,433 lives were tragically lost due to road accidents in the state.
He further stated that the rapid increase in the number of vehicles in the state and violations of road safety rules are leading to more road accidents.
Government’s Efforts to Combat Road Accidents:
To address the alarming rise in road accidents, the Odisha government has been taking several steps to improve road safety.
Awareness campaigns are regularly published through print and electronic media, as well as through audio channels, in a bid to educate the public on road safety measures.
Heavy vehicle drivers are also receiving refresher training under Subahaka Yojana to ensure they are well-versed in safe driving practices.
The government has also introduced the ‘Rakshak’ program, which trains first responders in road safety and first aid. So far, approximately 13,000 first responders have been trained under this initiative.
In addition, the Junior Guards Programme has been implemented to train National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets in road safety and primary medical care, with over 11,000 cadets trained to date.
Special Initiatives and Enforcement Measures
To reduce accidents, the state government has formulated a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ensuring road safety during picnic seasons, with additional measures taken to ensure public safety during festive periods.
In a unique initiative, free tea is being offered at roadside eateries to long-distance drivers traveling late at night, in an effort to combat driver fatigue and prevent accidents.
To enforce stricter road safety measures, 37 interceptor vehicles and 38 highway patrolling vehicles have been deployed across the state. Special enforcement operations are conducted regularly—four to five times a month in each district—targeting those who violate road safety rules.
Furthermore, the government is constructing 22 truck terminals along National and State Highways to better manage traffic flow and improve safety.
As part of its efforts to modernize enforcement practices, the state government has implemented an Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) along key National and State Highways.
The first phase of IEMS was successfully installed between Rameswar and Panikoili, and the second phase covered routes from Puri-Bhubaneswar, Puri-Konark, and Konark-Pipili.
The system will be expanded further in phases, covering critical stretches such as Rameswar to Girisola, Panikoili to Laxmannath, and several other high-risk areas across the state.
