G. Udaygiri, Dec 5: In a first for the state, a modern vehicle sensor alert system has been installed on the accident-prone Kalinga Ghat, located on the Ganjam-Kandhamal district border. The device, developed by IIT Bhubaneswar, aims to reduce collisions on the ghat’s sharp curves, where visibility is limited and vehicles often approach from both sides simultaneously.

The solar-powered, automated system is equipped with sensors and cameras mounted on 4-foot-high poles on either side of the road. When a vehicle approaches from one side, a red light flashes on the opposite side and a siren sounds, alerting oncoming drivers to prevent head-on collisions. The system is operational both during the day and at night.

A team from IIT Bhubaneswar installed the device on Thursday, with assistance from transportation officials, including Shivani Majhi, Bulu Behera of G. Udayagiri police station, and National Highway assistant engineer Prashant Kumar Sahu.

The initiative follows landslides in September that damaged portions of the ghat road, which have since been reconstructed. While traffic has resumed, safety concerns persisted due to frequent near-misses at sharp bends. Local residents have welcomed the new system, calling it a significant step toward accident prevention.

IIT Bhubaneswar officials have stated that if the pilot installation proves successful, similar devices will be deployed at other accident-prone ghat sections across the state.