In a reaffirmation of its commitment to safer roads and responsible mobility, Odisha has begun preparations for National Road Safety Month 2026.
This observance will take place from January 1 to January 31, 2026, as notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.
A preliminary meeting was held today at Kharavel Bhawan, chaired by Smt. Usha Padhee, the Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department. The meeting included the Transport Commissioner and senior officials from the department.
Discussions centered on translating national road safety guidelines into impactful and well-coordinated actions at the state and district levels. The month-long observance aims to enhance awareness, strengthen enforcement, improve road engineering, and enhance emergency response, ultimately fostering a people-centric road safety culture across Odisha.
Adopting a data-driven and outcome-oriented approach, it was agreed that seven high-accident districts will receive specific attention through targeted interventions and district-specific strategies. Previous road safety initiatives were reviewed, and new measures were discussed to amplify impact and ensure sustainability.
Road safety remains a central priority in Odisha’s vision of becoming a developed state where every life matters. Ongoing efforts aim to reduce road accidents and fatalities by systematically improving infrastructure, implementing behaviour change campaigns, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and ensuring rapid post-crash care. Identified accident-prone locations will be addressed in coordination with road construction and implementing agencies to rectify engineering deficiencies and elevate safety standards.
The meeting highlighted the significance of awareness, enforcement, and rapid post-crash response, along with the need for participation from both the government and society at large. Close collaboration among departments, police, and district administrations was emphasised to achieve meaningful and lasting reductions in road accidents.
Furthermore, it was decided that another meeting at the government level will be convened soon to finalise detailed action plans and comprehensive strategies for National Road Safety Month 2026, reaffirming the state’s commitment to making roads safer and journeys more secure for every citizen.y citizen.
