Odisha road safety: Zero fatality fortnight cuts deaths by 33.5%

Bhubaneswar: The ‘zero fatality fortnight’ campaign launched in Nov 2025 led to a remarkable 33.5% reduction in road accident deaths, according to data available on Sunday.Conducted from Nov 16 to 30, 2025, the initiative aimed to curb the rising number of road mishaps and strengthen road safety measures across Odisha.

During the campaign, 462 accidents were reported, resulting in 212 deaths.

This marked a sharp decline compared to the 520 accidents and 319 deaths recorded during the corresponding period in 2024.State transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur attributed the success to a multi-pronged strategy that combined strict enforcement, widespread awareness drives and improved emergency healthcare.Presence of police and RTOs was intensified on highways and major roads, with strict monitoring of speeding, drink driving and mobile phone use.

Outgoing transport secretary Usha Padhee issued a standard operating procedure (SOP) to district collectors, SPs and other stakeholders, urging coordinated efforts to ensure the campaign’s success. The SOP outlined clear roles and responsibilities for all involved agencies.“Compliance with the road safety rules improved and violations declined due to collective efforts of various stakeholders including police, transport, health and road owning agencies,” Thakur said.

Awareness programmes were carried out extensively in schools, colleges and community centres, while social media platforms were used to spread safety messages and driving tips. Workshops and interactive sessions sought to instill a sense of responsibility among young drivers and pedestrians.Emergency care was also strengthened during the fortnight. The transport department worked closely with hospitals and emergency services to ensure rapid response for accident victims.

Quick-response teams were deployed and ambulances were equipped with advanced life-saving equipment to provide immediate assistance.“Our goal is to create a safer environment for all road users. By working together, we can reduce accidents and save lives. The success of the zero fatality fortnight campaign had been closely monitored,” Thakur said.The transport department stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility. “The govt has been making serious efforts to improve road safety across the state. Each one of us must drive carefully and responsibly to protect our own lives and those of fellow road users,” transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said.