Odisha continues to grapple with a worrying rise in road accidents, with an average of 15 deaths reported each day. The state currently stands 13th in the country in terms of total road accident cases, a ranking that officials describe as deeply alarming.

Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said road safety has emerged as a major challenge, not only for Odisha but for the entire nation, underscoring the urgent need for stronger preventive measures and public awareness.

As per reports, officials have identified four primary areas requiring attention. According to the department, many motorists ignore lane and median rules for short-term convenience, contributing to the increasing number of accidents. 

The Odisha government has begun implementing engineering solutions at locations identified as accident black spots. In addition, hyper-local strategies are being explored to better manage road congestion and improve traffic flow.

Call for Collective Action

Speaking on the issue, Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said the responsibility for safer roads must be shared by both the government and the public. 

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She said, "This is not only an issue for Odisha but a major problem across India. It is a shared responsibility to keep roads safe and prevent accidents. Unless people and the government work together, the goal cannot be achieved. India tops the list globally in road accidents, and Odisha stands 13th in the country. There has been some improvement, but continuous efforts are required. The Zero Fatality Fortnight aims to bring together citizens, police, the Transport Department, educational institutions and others. We want people to be aware and educated because many accidents occur due to disobeying road safety rules."