Puri, Jan 29: After a continuous series of accidents almost everyday in Odisha, it’s now setting an example for the nation with its forward-thinking approach to road safety.
The state has launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives designed to address high speeds, distracted driving, and poor infrastructure, aiming to reduce accidents and save lives.
One of Odisha’s flagship programs, Project SuVahak, has been making waves by training over 24,450 drivers in refresher courses and introducing 6,575 new drivers, with a special focus on women and marginalized communities.
This initiative not only helps in improving driving skills but also promotes safer road behavior across diverse groups.
The state has also made strides in emergency response through Project Rakshak, which has trained volunteers to act as first responders during accidents.
Meanwhile, the Junior Rakshak initiative has empowered 63,000 NCC cadets with essential first-aid skills, preparing them to assist in times of crisis.
To further enhance its road safety efforts, Odisha has partnered with IIT Madras, using data-driven approaches like crash investigations and human-factor audits to better understand the root causes of accidents.
Moreover, Odisha is focusing on building a well-equipped workforce, having trained 567 police officers and 80 transport officials in road safety protocols, ensuring a more comprehensive approach to enforcement and prevention.
