Bhubaneswar, Dec 17: In a significant step towards promoting safer roads and responsible mobility, Odisha has begun preparations for National Road Safety Month 2026, which will be observed from January 1 to January 31, 2026. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, aims to reinforce the state’s commitment to reducing road accidents and enhancing overall road safety.
A preliminary meeting was held at Kharavel Bhawan, chaired by Smt. Usha Padhee, the Principal Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department, and attended by the Transport Commissioner and senior department officials. The discussions focused on translating national road safety guidelines into effective actions at both the state and district levels. The month-long observance is set to raise awareness, improve enforcement, enhance road infrastructure, and strengthen emergency response mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of fostering a people-centric road safety culture throughout Odisha.
Adopting a data-driven, outcome-oriented approach, it was decided that seven high-accident districts would receive special attention, with tailored strategies to address local challenges and improve safety outcomes. The meeting also reviewed previous road safety efforts, identifying areas of improvement and discussing new measures to amplify their impact and ensure long-term sustainability.
Odisha's vision of becoming a developed state hinges on the safety and well-being of its citizens. Ongoing efforts include improving infrastructure, launching behavior change campaigns, strengthening law enforcement, and ensuring efficient post-crash care. Key accident-prone areas will be targeted through coordinated efforts with road construction agencies to rectify engineering flaws and improve safety standards.
The meeting emphasized the importance of collaboration between government departments, the police, and district administrations to achieve tangible reductions in road accidents. It also highlighted the critical role of public awareness, strict enforcement, and swift post-crash response in building a safer road environment.
Additionally, it was decided that another high-level meeting will be convened soon to finalize detailed action plans and strategies for National Road Safety Month 2026. This will further reinforce Odisha's commitment to making roads safer and ensuring secure journeys for all citizens.
