In a fresh step to tackle traffic congestion and reduce road accidents, the Commissionerate Police has launched a lane-driving awareness campaign in Bhubaneswar.
The pilot initiative kicked off on Tuesday at Jayadev Vihar Square, aiming to promote disciplined driving habits among commuters.
The campaign is being closely monitored by Traffic DCP Tapan Mohanty, alongside officials of the Twin City Commissionerate Police. The core objective is to educate motorists on proper lane usage based on vehicle type and speed, in a bid to streamline road movement and prevent accidents.
Pilot Project in Action
As part of the initial trial, one lane on each side of the six-lane Jayadev Vihar stretch was barricaded using traffic cones. This move was designed to encourage motorists to stick to their designated lanes, minimizing unnecessary lane-switching — a common cause of road mishaps in the city.
“People often swerve between lanes without indicators, which leads to collisions. The issue stems largely from lack of awareness,” said DCP Mohanty. “We’re focusing on sensitizing commuters, helping them understand which lane suits their vehicle.”
Goals of the Lane Discipline Drive
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Reduce road accidents caused by erratic lane-switching
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Ease traffic flow, especially during peak hours
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Educate drivers on safe lane behavior based on vehicle type
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Prepare for wider implementation at other major junctions
If the Jayadev Vihar trial shows positive results, similar lane-discipline systems will be introduced in Acharya Vihar, Patia, and Damana—areas that often suffer from traffic jams.
Understanding Lane Usage: What the Law Says
As per Indian road rules, here’s a general guide for lane discipline on three-lane roads:
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Left Lane: For slower vehicles (two-wheelers, autos, cycles) and left turns
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Middle Lane: Best suited for cars and small vehicles at moderate speeds
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Right Lane: Reserved for overtaking or fast-moving vehicles; not for heavy vehicles like trucks or buses, unless overtaking
On multi-lane highways, heavy vehicles are expected to use the left-most lanes, while cars use the center or right lanes depending on speed and intent to overtake.
The Commissionerate Police plans to continue monitoring driver response and behavior in the coming days. With growing urban traffic, such education-focused initiatives could pave the way for safer and more efficient commuting in Odisha’s capital.
