Odisha's Road Safety Crisis: Gadkari Urges CM Majhi to Take Action as State Launches "Come Home Safe" Campaign

The open road in Odisha is, sadly, becoming increasingly dangerous. With a staggering number of road fatalities, the state has launched a new campaign, "Come Home Safe," aiming to curb the rising tide of accidents. But the situation is so dire that it has caught the attention of the central government. Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has stepped in, urging Odisha's Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to take decisive action. This isn't just about awareness; it's about setting targets, enforcing rules, and ultimately, saving lives. The alarming statistics paint a grim picture, making road safety a top priority for both state and central governments.

"Come Home Safe": Odisha's Plea for Safer Roads

Odisha, a state grappling with a high number of road accidents, has launched the "Come Home Safe" campaign. This initiative, coinciding with the national road safety month, will run until January 7th. It's a catchy slogan, but it carries a serious message: drive safely and make it back to your loved ones. The campaign will see a variety of awareness drives targeting motorists, focusing on road safety practices and traffic rules. The goal is simple: to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on Odisha's roads.

Gadkari's Call to Action: A Collaborative Approach

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, recognizing the gravity of the situation, has written a letter to CM Majhi, urging him to convene a meeting of all district collectors and Superintendents of Police (SPs). Gadkari's message is clear: set district-wise targets for reducing road crashes. He emphasizes that road safety is a top priority for the government, highlighting the "Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan" with its theme "Parvaah" (Care). Districts that significantly reduce road fatalities will be felicitated.

Addressing the Root Causes: Engineering and Enforcement

Gadkari hasn't just called for targets; he's also pinpointed specific areas needing immediate attention. He's stressed the need to rectify common road engineering flaws – things like gaps in medians, exposed objects, poorly designed intersections, inadequate lighting, and unsafe school zones. He suggests appointing engineering colleges to conduct road engineering audits, bringing expert eyes to the problem.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja while reviewing the situation with police has also instructed police and regional transport officers to crack down on traffic violators. The state is also planning a campaign featuring public figures and celebrities to drive home the importance of road safety.

The Grim Statistics: A Wake-Up Call

The numbers are stark and demand attention. Between 2021 and 2023, Odisha reported a heartbreaking 16,287 deaths due to road accidents. That's an average of 16 deaths every single day. In 2023 alone, the state recorded 5,739 road fatalities, the highest in a single year. Alarmingly, the rate of severity (people killed per 100 accidents) stands at 47%, significantly higher than the national average of 37%. A majority of these deaths involve two-wheeler users and pedestrians, who accounted for 64% of all road crash deaths in 2023. Till May 2024, 2,657 people died in 5,360 accidents and 63% of them succumbed to injuries for not wearing helmets.

A Multi-Pronged Approach: Zero Tolerance

To combat this crisis, Odisha has adopted a "zero-tolerance" policy against dangerous driving behaviors. This includes cracking down on drunk driving, over-speeding, driving on the wrong side of the road, and the non-use of safety gear, particularly helmets for two-wheeler riders. Road crashes are the leading cause of death in the productive age group of 18 to 45 years.

A Long Road to Safety

The "Come Home Safe" campaign and Gadkari's intervention mark a crucial step in addressing Odisha's road safety crisis. It's a multi-pronged approach that combines awareness, enforcement, and engineering solutions. However, the road to safety is long and requires sustained effort. The success of this initiative hinges on the effective implementation of these measures, the active participation of district administrations, and, most importantly, a change in the mindset of drivers and pedestrians alike. Reducing road fatalities is not just a government responsibility; it's a collective societal responsibility. Only through a concerted effort can Odisha hope to transform its roads from danger zones into safe passages, ensuring that every journey ends with a safe return home. The lives lost on Odisha's roads are a stark reminder of the urgent need for change, and the coming months will be critical in determining whether the state can turn the tide on this deadly trend.