Historic tenure reshaped state connectivity with focus on citizen safety
Bureaucratic transitions are routine, yet some tenures leave an imprint that alters the landscape of governance permanently. As Smt. Usha Padhee bids farewell to the Commerce & Transport Department, she leaves behind a transformed sector where infrastructure met empathy. Her time in office was not just about managing fleets or files, but about ensuring that every journey in Odisha became safer, dignified, and inclusive.
Under her leadership, the daily commute for millions changed drastically. The Usha Padhee tenure saw the strengthening of the Mukhyamantri Bus Seva, ensuring last-mile connectivity reached the grassroots. Commuters, who once faced hardships, found relief in the newly constructed Atal Bus Stands. These facilities turned waiting for a bus from a struggle into a comfortable experience, prioritizing the dignity of the common traveler.
Perhaps the most striking social change came through the AMA Suvahak (Atmanirbhar Mahila Suvahak) initiative. This program broke gender stereotypes by placing women firmly in the driver’s seat of the transport workforce. Similarly, the "Come Home Safe" campaign moved beyond standard government advisories. It became a movement, reminding citizens that road safety is a promise made to families waiting at home, effectively reducing the grim statistics of road accidents.
Odisha also saw its aviation ambitions take flight during this period. Leveraging her vast experience with the Government of India, Padhee spearheaded the B-MAAN policy. This vision turned the state into a regional aviation hub. A standout achievement remains the initiative to train tribal girls as pilots, proving that the skies are open to everyone, regardless of their background.
Beyond roads and skies, the department breathed new life into the maritime sector. The revival of National Waterway-5, which was recently acknowledged in the Union Budget, stands as a testament to persistent administrative efforts. Complemented by the push for Bahuda Port and specialized skilling through the Odisha Maritime Academy, the state is now poised for a logistics revolution.
As the baton passes, the Odisha Commerce and Transport Department stands on a solid foundation. From the bustling highways to the expanding airways, the systems established during this period promise a future where progress is continuous and deeply human.
