The Odisha government will observe “Zero Fatality Fortnight” across the state from November 16 to 30, 2025, aiming to drastically reduce road accidents and fatalities. This special campaign builds on the success of previous Zero Fatality Weeks and will feature extensive awareness drives, enforcement measures, and road safety initiatives over 15 days.
A high-level action plan meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhawan. The meeting included key officials such as Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport Usha Padhee, Crime Branch DGP Binaytosh Mishra, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Devdutt Singh, and other senior representatives from various departments. District collectors from all districts participated virtually.
According to data presented, in 2023, road accidents claimed 1.19 million lives globally, 172,000 in India, and 5,739 in Odisha. This translates to daily fatalities of 3,260 worldwide, 474 in India, and 15 in Odisha. Statistics for 2025 road accidents and related casualties were also discussed. The Supreme Court of India has repeatedly directed states to take stringent measures against road fatalities, underscoring the urgency of such campaigns.
Major causes of accidents include violations of traffic rules, not wearing helmets, drunk driving, reckless behaviour, wrong-side driving, and overspeeding. The fortnight will emphasise the four pillars of road safety: Road Engineering, Enforcement, Education, and Emergency Care. Coordinated efforts by departments like Transport, Police, Health and Family Welfare, School and Mass Education, Higher Education, Housing and Urban Development, along with road construction authorities such as Works, Rural Development, Water Resources, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, and National Highways, will drive the initiative. Organisations like Odisha State Road Transport Corporation and KRUT will also contribute.
Reviewing various action plans, Chief Secretary Ahuja stressed that achieving zero road deaths is a critical priority. He directed that programs be implemented rigorously during the 15-day period and continued until March 2025, considering the tourism and picnic season when vehicle traffic surges. He advised regular meetings of district-level road safety committees to monitor progress, inspections near schools, colleges, hospitals, and crowded areas for footpaths and zebra crossings, and enhanced road management.
Joint patrolling by police and transport officials on national highways and other roads, identification and rectification of black spots (frequent accident sites), and strict enforcement against violations like overspeeding, drunk driving, triple riding, and unsafe vehicles will be prioritised. Fines will be imposed via DISHA and e-detection systems. Notably, audits of 8,000 km of roads have been completed, identifying 300 black spots, with remedial proposals sent to relevant authorities.
Public engagement will be boosted through “Road Safety Forums,” where awareness programs will be organised. Over 1 lakh students will take a virtual road safety oath administered by the Chief Minister. Campaigns will involve self-help groups, driving training schools, cinema halls, print and electronic media. Junior Red Cross members will conduct safety activities near schools, and street plays on road safety will be performed in crowded areas.
To address accidents caused by stray animals on roads, measures include constructing gaushalas (cow shelters), attaching reflective tapes to animal horns, and utilizing the animal helpline 1962 for assistance.
The Odisha government, in collaboration with the public, partner departments, voluntary organisations, and civil society, remains committed to ongoing efforts for road safety and saving lives.
