Bhubaneswar, Aug 25: Institute of Driving Training and Research, Berhampur marked its first anniversary. The event was held at the Palur Hills-based training institute, with Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The Minister emphasized the department’s commitment to reducing road accidents, highlighting the crucial role played by the SuVahak training program in this effort. He announced that the state government plans to expand government-run driving training centres to further this goal.
The Minister praised the success of the Palur Training Centre and congratulated all staff and trainees on completing its first year. He advised increasing the program’s outreach to involve more drivers in the training process.
Training to drivers, with accommodation and food provided are absolutely free of cost.After passing, trainees receive a driving license, and after completing the 30-day training, they are eligible for a stipend of ₹3,000. The centre provides modern training facilities, including daily yoga and exercise sessions to ensure trainees’ physical and mental well-being. A library is also available here.
The minister also noted that 5,000 new drivers and over 22,000 existing drivers have completed the refresher course from four centres at Chhatia, Bonai, Keonjhar and Palur. Not only men but also women have shown great interest in driving training. Many trainees have secured jobs with prestigious companies across the country and abroad, with 30 skilled drivers being selected for employment in Japan.
The Palur facility spans 20 acres and includes an administration block, air-conditioned classrooms, model rooms, and an AC canteen. The hostel offers 14 dormitories with a capacity for 140 trainees at a time. The institute can train 1,200 heavy vehicle drivers and refresh 4,000 drivers annually. A two-kilometre-long driving track with road signs is available for practical training. So far, 823 heavy vehicle drivers have been trained at the centre, with around 166 securing jobs in various government and private organizations.
The Transport Department covers all costs except for the machinery and trainer facilities, which are provided by Ashok Leyland. The program also includes a monthly three-day refresher course for licensed drivers to enhance their skills.
The event was attended by Additional Transport Commissioner Dipti Ranjan Patra, Joint Transport Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Bikas Chaudhary, Transport Department Officer Bhramar Mahapatra, Ganjam RTO, and officials from Ashok Leyland, among others. The Minister also planted a tree as a memento of the occasion. The event concluded with a cultural program presented by trainees and local artists.
