In a decisive move to tackle the rising tide of road accidents, the Odisha State Police Headquarters convened a high-level meeting today, chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania.
Collaborating with the State Transport Authority, the meeting focused on strengthening district-level road safety measures across Odisha, with a particular emphasis on reducing fatalities, enforcing traffic rules, and raising public awareness.
The meeting highlighted alarming accident rates in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sundargarh, Ganjam, and Khurda districts, where two-wheeler riders are increasingly succumbing to fatal injuries. To address this, the state plans to deploy 500 trained traffic wardens in these districts. District Superintendents of Police (SPs) will oversee their appointment and training to ensure effective traffic management.
DGP Khurania stressed the urgency of awareness campaigns in schools, colleges, and rural areas to educate citizens on road safety. “Our goal is to prevent ordinary people from becoming victims of reckless driving,” he said, directing SPs to crack down on traffic violators, including drunken drivers and those neglecting seatbelts or helmets.
The meeting also outlined plans to identify accident-prone areas, enhance national highway patrolling, ensure pedestrian safety at foot overbridges and underpasses, and deploy ambulances to reduce fatalities. Key initiatives include installing CCTV surveillance and promoting road safety education to foster a culture of compliance.
Additional DGPs Arun Bothra and Pratik Mohanty, along with State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, attended the meeting, joined virtually by Inspectors General (IGs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and SPs from all districts.
With these measures, Odisha Police aim to create safer roads and protect lives through proactive enforcement and community engagement.
