Bhubaneswar, January 6:In a bid to curb the rising number of road accidents, Dr. Satyajit Naik, Inspector General of Police (IG) for Central Range, Cuttack, has instructed senior police officials to launch a comprehensive Special Enforcement Drive.

The initiative aims to reduce preventable fatalities and aligns with the ongoing National Road Safety Month. The focus will primarily be on high-occupancy passenger vehicles in the region.

With the pilgrimage and picnic season in full swing, the drive will target the Ama Bus services, private stage carriers, and picnic buses heading to Puri and other key districts within the Central Range. The IG has issued a strong directive to all Superintendents of Police (SsP) in the district, ensuring rigorous adherence to road safety protocols.

The drive follows a "Zero Tolerance" policy on traffic violations and covers several critical areas:

1. Document Verification: Thorough checks on Vehicle Permits, Fitness Certificates, and Insurance to guarantee only roadworthy vehicles are on the roads.
2. Driver Monitoring: Verifying valid Driving Licenses, checking for driver fatigue, intoxication, or any health issues that may compromise safety.
3. Speed and Load Compliance: Enforcing speed limits and regulating passenger capacities, supported by interceptors and speed-sensing technology to prevent overspeeding.
4. Safety Protocols: Ensuring seatbelt usage and that all commercial buses are equipped with essential safety gear such as Fire Extinguishers and First-Aid kits.
5. Picnic Spot Surveillance: Closely monitoring buses bound for tourist destinations, preventing unsafe highway parking, and ensuring smooth transit.

To bolster the drive, the Odisha Integrated Road Safety Dashboard will aid in real-time monitoring, focusing on “Black Spots” and high-risk areas. This will help optimize police resources and enable timely interventions.

Dr. Naik stressed that the drive is not merely about collecting data but implementing proactive, life-saving measures. He highlighted the importance of working closely with the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and using evidence-based strategies to support the state’s vision of "Vikshit Odisha 2036" – aiming to make Odisha’s roads the safest in India.

“The responsibility for safety lies with all of us. We urge commuters and vehicle operators to cooperate fully to ensure a safer travel experience for everyone,” Dr. Naik stated.

In a bid to ensure the drive’s success, Superintendents of Police have been instructed to submit regular compliance reports for review at the Range Office.