Odisha has taken a major step toward safer roads and modern transport infrastructure with the launch of a wide-ranging set of reforms under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Coinciding with the observance of National Road Safety Month, the state government introduced new policies, infrastructure projects, and technology-driven initiatives aimed at reducing road accidents and improving traffic management.
ସଡ଼କ ସୁରକ୍ଷା କେବଳ ଏକ ନିୟମ ନୁହେଁ, ଏହା ଆମ ସୁଶାସନର ଏକ ଅଭିନ୍ନ ଅଙ୍ଗ। ମାନ୍ୟବର ମୁଖ୍ୟମନ୍ତ୍ରୀଙ୍କ ନୂତନ 6 ‘E’ ନୀତି ( Education, Enforcement, Engineering, Emergency, Environment & Evaluation ) ସଡ଼କ ଦୁର୍ଘଟଣାକୁ ହ୍ରାସ କରିବାରେ ବରଦାନ ସଦୃଶ ହେବ।
ଆସନ୍ତୁ ଦାୟିତ୍ୱବାନ ନାଗରିକ ଭାବେ ଏହି ମାର୍ଗଦର୍ଶିକାକୁ… pic.twitter.com/rXptFra4qT— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) January 12, 2026
The Chief Minister emphasized that road safety is no longer just about traffic rules but an essential pillar of good governance, requiring collective responsibility from the government, institutions, and citizens.
6E Road Safety Framework: A Holistic Vision
At the heart of the reforms is the Chief Minister’s 6E Road Safety Framework, designed to address the issue from multiple dimensions:
-
Education to build awareness and encourage responsible road behaviour
-
Enforcement to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws
-
Engineering to improve road design, vehicle safety, and infrastructure quality
-
Emergency to provide faster medical response and trauma care
-
Environment to promote pollution control and sustainable transport
-
Evaluation to continuously assess outcomes and refine policies
The government noted that regular evaluation will help measure effectiveness and guide future improvements in road safety programmes.
Road Safety Integrated with Good Governance
In a landmark decision, the state has formally integrated road safety into its governance framework. To promote accountability and innovation, the Chief Minister announced the Mukhyamantri Sadak Suraksha Yojana Samman, an incentive-based recognition programme.
Under this scheme:
-
District administrations will be assessed on road safety performance
-
Educational institutions and private organisations will be rewarded for impactful safety initiatives
-
Best-performing districts will be recognised, while corrective action will be taken where performance is poor
The initiative aims to embed road safety awareness across all levels of society.
Innovative Safety Measures and Smart Traffic Planning
To address accident-prone areas, an alert bell warning system was inaugurated at Kalinga Ghat, which cautions drivers through audible signals when vehicles approach from opposite directions. Introduced as a pilot project, it will be expanded to other hilly roads based on performance.
For urban traffic improvement, the state signed an agreement with IIT Kharagpur to design advanced traffic management solutions for the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Twin City. The expert recommendations will guide future congestion control and traffic flow planning.
Strengthening Green and Public Transport
The government has also accelerated its push toward environmentally friendly transport. The Chief Minister inaugurated 15 electric vehicle charging stations in Bhubaneswar, while 85 additional stations are under construction across the state.
Public transport received a significant upgrade with:
-
Introduction of 100 new BS-VI compliant buses by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation
-
Launch of a Closed Loop Smart Transit Card, enabling cashless ticketing
-
Commencement of 25 electric buses from a modern depot in Berhampur to serve urban and nearby areas
These measures aim to improve passenger convenience while reducing emissions.
Expansion of Transport Infrastructure
As part of improving commuter facilities, 14 new Atal Bus Terminals were inaugurated across 10 districts at a cost of ₹156.53 crore. With more terminals planned at district and block levels, the state is working toward a unified and accessible public transport network.
In addition, the Chief Minister launched 71 Works Department projects worth ₹6,700 crore, including new roads, bridges, and public buildings. Plans were also announced for a modern integrated Lok Seva Bhawan and Legislative Assembly complex, designed to meet future administrative needs.
Elevated Corridor and Flyovers to Ease Urban Congestion
To reduce traffic congestion in Bhubaneswar, foundation stones were laid for a new elevated corridor from Jayadev Vihar to Nandankanan, along with four flyovers at key junctions. These projects are expected to significantly improve traffic flow on one of the city’s busiest stretches.
Empowering Women in Transport
In a step toward inclusive development, five women drivers received vehicle keys under a government-supported self-employment scheme that provides loans with state guarantees. The initiative promotes women’s participation in the transport sector while supporting livelihoods.
Collective Commitment to Safer Roads
Addressing the programme, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena highlighted that road accidents are a global concern that can only be tackled through education, technology, and sustained policy action. Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan reiterated the government’s commitment to pothole-free roads, wider carriageways, and faster traffic movement under the new road policy.
The event saw participation from senior ministers, legislators, officials, and district administrations across Odisha, reflecting a collective resolve to transform the state’s road safety and transport ecosystem.
With policy reform, infrastructure investment, technological innovation, and public participation, Odisha’s latest initiatives mark a decisive move toward safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility.