Odisha has reported 27,167 road accident deaths in the last five years—an average of more than 5,400 fatalities per year—Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena informed the State Assembly on Thursday.
In a written response, the minister stated that the state recorded 56,830 road accidents between 2020 and 2024. These incidents left 50,041 people injured, including 19,850 individuals who suffered grievous injuries. Except for 2020—the year marked by widespread Covid-19 lockdowns—annual fatalities remained above 5,000 and continued to rise.
According to official data, Odisha registered:
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4,738 deaths in 2020 (from 9,817 crashes)
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5,081 deaths in 2021
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5,467 deaths in 2022
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5,739 deaths in 2023
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6,142 deaths in 2024, the highest in five years, from 12,375 accidents
The information was provided in response to a query raised by Jharsuguda BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy.
Jena informed the House that the state government spent ₹89.73 crore on road safety initiatives between 2020–21 and 2024–25. During the same period, ₹23.17 crore was released as financial assistance to accident victims under the Solatium Fund Scheme.
To address the rising number of road accidents, the government has implemented several measures. These include statewide road safety awareness campaigns, refresher training programs for heavy-vehicle drivers, and a standard operating procedure designed to prevent mishaps during the picnic season. The state has also established 23 truck terminals along national and state highways and is offering free tea at night to heavy-vehicle drivers to help reduce drowsy driving.
Additionally, an Intelligent Enforcement Management System (IEMS) has been deployed along major highway stretches. A Ghat Warning System is now operational on key ghat roads. The state has further strengthened enforcement by deploying 37 interceptors and 38 highway patrol vehicles to monitor traffic violations and enhance road safety.
