BHUBANESWAR: The state government has decided to accelerate the rollout of the intelligent enforcement management system (IEMS) across highway stretches, deploy more patrolling vehicles and establish new institutes of driving training and research (IDTR) to curb road fatalities.
At a review meeting chaired by principal secretary of Commerce and Transport Department Usha Padhee here on Tuesday, it has been decided to strengthen district-level road safety action plans, expedite the process to set up truck terminals at key locations and enhance post-accident response mechanisms.
Emphasising data-driven decision-making, Padhee urged all stakeholders to work in close coordination and adopt a time-bound approach to achieve the state’s ambitious target of 50 per cent reduction in road accident deaths and injuries by 2030, in alignment with national and global road safety goals.
The state government is also in the process of amending the Odisha Motor Vehicle Rules, 1993 following amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Act and Rules which will include provisions for the cancellation of driving licenses for habitual offenders among others.
IIT Madras presented an innovative data-driven mechanism, including scientific crash investigations, road safety awareness campaigns, and capacity-building initiatives for enforcement agencies to reduce road accident deaths.
While initiatives such as highway patrolling, road safety awareness drives, and trauma care enhancement were acknowledged for their positive impact, challenges like pending e-challan disposals, inadequate enforcement manpower, and gaps in road engineering safety features were flagged for immediate resolution.
“Financial assistance will be provided to transport operators for installation of advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) devices in transport vehicles and the police for road safety data digitisation and support for citizens in case of accidents,” sources said.
Odisha reports an average 16 road deaths every day. The rate of severity (number of people killed per 100 accidents) is an alarming 47 per cent against the national average of 37 per cent. The toll was 5,739 in 2023, so far the highest in a year.