The Odisha government is set to operationalise 23 truck terminals across the state by the end of May in a major initiative aimed at reducing road accidents caused by unauthorised roadside parking of heavy vehicles.
State Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said most of the construction work for the truck terminals has already been completed. Only the terminal at Girisola in Ganjam district is still under construction.
Roadside Parking Identified as Major Accident Cause
According to the Transport Department, unauthorised parking of trucks and heavy vehicles along highways remains one of the leading causes of road accidents in the state.
The government said the new truck terminals are being developed at strategic locations near national highways to provide safer parking facilities and reduce congestion on road shoulders.
Officials believe the move will significantly improve highway traffic management and road safety.
Facilities for Drivers and Transport Operators
The upcoming truck terminals will include several essential facilities for transport workers and logistics operators, such as:
- Dedicated truck parking areas
- Hotels and rest facilities
- Logistics support services
- Basic amenities for drivers
The government stated that the terminals are intended to offer safer and more organised alternatives to roadside halts by commercial vehicles.
Delay in Operations Due to Management Issues
The Transport Minister said that 17 of the truck terminals had earlier been handed over to National Highway Logistics Management Limited for Facility Management Services.
However, operations were delayed due to issues related to the agency’s management process.
The Odisha government has now reportedly requested cancellation of the earlier arrangement and plans to appoint a new agency to ensure the terminals become functional at the earliest.
Government Warns Against Illegal Highway Parking
The minister noted that several designated lay-bys already exist along national and state highways, but many truck drivers still park vehicles illegally on roadsides despite regulations prohibiting the practice.
Authorities said enforcement drives against roadside parking have already helped reduce accident numbers in several areas.
With the operationalisation of the new truck terminals, the government expects a further decline in highway accidents and smoother traffic movement across Odisha.
Odisha Strengthening Transport and Road Safety Measures
The truck terminal initiative forms part of Odisha’s broader push to modernise transport infrastructure and strengthen road safety enforcement.
Recently, the state government also introduced restrictions on entry of commercial vehicles older than 10 years from other states in an effort to improve transport regulation and reduce risks on highways.
Officials said the new truck terminals are expected to benefit transport operators, improve logistics efficiency, and create safer travel conditions for commuters.
