Bhubaneswar, October 19: The Odisha Transport Department is set to launch the ‘Zero Fatality Fortnight’ (ZFF) campaign from November 1 to 15, aiming to reduce road accidents and fatalities statewide. This initiative follows a concerning rise in road deaths, which saw a 7.5% increase in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. From January to June, 3,437 deaths occurred in 6,637 accidents, a rise of 240 fatalities over the previous year.

The ZFF campaign will focus on enforcement, awareness, and emergency care. Traffic police will increase patrols on major roads and highways, strictly monitoring traffic rules. The campaign will also emphasize public education through workshops, seminars, and social media to promote road safety. Authorities will target key issues like speeding, drunk driving, and mobile phone use while driving.

Additionally, the transport department will collaborate with local hospitals to ensure quick emergency response for accident victims. Transport Secretary Usha Padhee urged stakeholders, including district collectors and police, to actively support the campaign. The initiative aims to make roads safer and save lives, with its success to be closely monitored.