The Odisha government has launched a comprehensive initiative to adopt proven road safety practices from other Indian states that have successfully reduced accident fatalities. This decision comes in response to concerning data showing a nearly 5% increase in road accident deaths within the state during 2023.
Alarming Statistics Prompt Action
According to the 'Road Accidents in India 2023' report published by the ministry of road transport and highways, Odisha recorded 5,739 fatalities in 2023, marking a significant increase from the 5,467 deaths recorded in 2022. This worrying trend has pushed the state administration to seek solutions from counterparts who have managed to reverse similar situations.
During a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja earlier this month, officials conducted a thorough review of accident data from across the country. The analysis revealed that while Odisha struggled with rising numbers, several other states demonstrated impressive improvements in road safety outcomes.
Learning From Success Stories
The state transport authority has been directed to study and replicate the best practices from states that successfully reduced accident fatalities. Official communication issued on Thursday confirmed that Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, and Kerala have shown remarkable progress in curbing road deaths.
Detailed statistics reveal that Andhra Pradesh witnessed a 1.9% decline in accident deaths, dropping from 8,293 in 2022 to 8,137 in 2023. Similarly, Bihar recorded a 0.3% reduction from 8,898 to 8,873 fatalities, while Kerala achieved the most significant improvement with a 5.5% decrease from 4,317 to 4,080 deaths.
Among Union Territories, Delhi registered approximately 0.3% fewer fatalities, while smaller states including Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Mizoram, and Sikkim also successfully reduced accident-related deaths in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Comprehensive Safety Measures Implemented
Chief Secretary Ahuja has issued specific directives to the transport department to conduct urban road audits focusing on pedestrian infrastructure. These audits will assess the availability and condition of footpaths, foot overbridges, pedestrian crossings, and proper signage throughout urban areas.
The state government has also raised concerns about illegal median cuts on national highways, particularly along the busy Bhubaneswar-Puri stretch. Authorities have been ordered to take immediate corrective action to address these dangerous road modifications that contribute to accident risks.
Transport officials emphasize that the government is taking "sincere steps" to improve road safety across Odisha. As part of these efforts, a "zero fatality fortnight campaign" is currently being observed statewide. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about road safety while identifying key risk factors that contribute to accident severity.
Technical Partnerships for Sustainable Solutions
In December 2023, the state government signed a memorandum of understanding with IIT Madras to leverage technical expertise in reducing accident deaths. The collaboration involves the Rehabilitation Bioengineering Group (RBG) Labs of the department of engineering design at IIT Madras, which has developed a behavioral change model specifically designed to promote responsible driving practices and reduce accidents.
This partnership represents a significant step toward implementing evidence-based solutions that address the root causes of road accidents in Odisha. By combining administrative action with technical innovation, the state aims to create a comprehensive road safety ecosystem that can sustainably reduce fatalities and make roads safer for all users.
