Bhubaneswar, September 22: The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) has placed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) on high alert ahead of the forecast of heavy to very heavy rainfall, including isolated extremely heavy rain, on September 23 and 24.
Acting on directions from Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and the Special Relief Commissioner (SRC), RTOs have been instructed to regulate, divert or suspend traffic on roads affected by flooding, waterlogging, landslides and poor visibility.
Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur directed officials to maintain round-the-clock coordination with district administrations, police and road agencies, with special focus on night-time travel along vulnerable routes, bridges, culverts and ghat roads.
Vehicle movement will be stopped or diverted on unsafe or submerged stretches and restored only after clearance from the concerned authorities. Control rooms will remain operational to issue route-specific advisories.
Bus operators, goods carriers, taxis and other transport services have been advised to defer or suspend night journeys wherever necessary. Motorists have also been urged to avoid unnecessary travel, particularly at night, and never attempt to cross flooded roads or flowing water.
Cranes and recovery vehicles will be positioned at vulnerable locations for quick emergency response
