+
Odisha Leads Public Transport Safety Transformation on World Transport Day
ROADS & HIGHWAYS

Odisha Leads Public Transport Safety Transformation on World Transport Day

As we observe World Public Transport Day, it's an occasion to highlight the vital role of accessible and efficient transportation and to emphasize the need for safety in public transport systems worldwide.

Public transportation is essential for connecting communities, boosting economic growth, and minimising environmental impact. However, ensuring safety in these systems remains a major challenge. In Odisha, a partnership with Palladium has led to pioneering initiatives aimed at addressing critical road safety issues.

Odisha's roads, characterised by an extensive network and high traffic density, face significant safety risks. The state experiences an alarming 32 road accidents daily, with a fatality rate of 47 per cent, much higher than the national average of 36 per cent. Contributing factors include high speeds, distracted driving, inadequate infrastructure, and limited driver training.

Recognizing these dangers, Odisha's transport authorities, with Palladium as a strategic partner, have introduced multiple safety-focused initiatives to address the root causes of these issues.

Through comprehensive safety programs, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) are transforming public transport safety by focusing on infrastructure, traffic management, and skill development. Their flagship initiative, Project SuVahak, emphasizes driver training and skill-building. To date, the program has trained over 24,450 refresher drivers and 6,575 new drivers. Inclusivity is central to the initiative, extending training to marginalised groups, including women and former Maoist rebels.

As we observe World Public Transport Day, it's an occasion to highlight the vital role of accessible and efficient transportation and to emphasize the need for safety in public transport systems worldwide. Public transportation is essential for connecting communities, boosting economic growth, and minimising environmental impact. However, ensuring safety in these systems remains a major challenge. In Odisha, a partnership with Palladium has led to pioneering initiatives aimed at addressing critical road safety issues. Odisha's roads, characterised by an extensive network and high traffic density, face significant safety risks. The state experiences an alarming 32 road accidents daily, with a fatality rate of 47 per cent, much higher than the national average of 36 per cent. Contributing factors include high speeds, distracted driving, inadequate infrastructure, and limited driver training. Recognizing these dangers, Odisha's transport authorities, with Palladium as a strategic partner, have introduced multiple safety-focused initiatives to address the root causes of these issues. Through comprehensive safety programs, the Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) and Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) are transforming public transport safety by focusing on infrastructure, traffic management, and skill development. Their flagship initiative, Project SuVahak, emphasizes driver training and skill-building. To date, the program has trained over 24,450 refresher drivers and 6,575 new drivers. Inclusivity is central to the initiative, extending training to marginalised groups, including women and former Maoist rebels.

Related Stories

Gold Stories

Next Story
Real Estate

Anshul Singhal launches Vantrock with Rs 42 billion development plan

Real estate professional Anshul Singhal has launched Vantrock Real Assets Private Limited (VRAPL), a Mumbai-headquartered platform focused initially on warehousing, industrial and logistics parks. The company plans to develop approximately 11.5 million sq ft of assets, with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of Rs 42 billion (approximately USD 434 million) on completion.The first phase will cover around 3 million sq ft across the National Capital Region (NCR), Bengaluru and Pune, with an estimated development value of Rs 11 billion (approximately USD 113 million). Construction is sched..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Afcons wins CII award for biodiversity management

Afcons Infrastructure has received the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) National Award for Environmental Best Practices 2026 in the Biodiversity Management category for its work on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Project’s C-2 package.The award was presented at a ceremony in Chennai on 9 October 2026. It was received by Mihir Mishra, Vice-President, CPE, and Sumon Paul, Assistant General Manager, HSE, along with the Afcons team.The project adopted several resource recovery and waste management practices. These included recycling concrete washout waste to recover sand, aggregates a..

Next Story
Technology

Indian businesses lead globally in planned AI investment, says Autodesk

Indian organisations are moving towards deeper integration of artificial intelligence (AI), digital technologies and sustainability into business operations, according to Autodesk’s 2026 State of Design & Make report. The fourth edition of the annual study highlights growing AI adoption, measurable outcomes from digital transformation and the role of sustainability in long-term business growth.The report found that 64 per cent of Indian organisations are approaching or have achieved their current AI goals. While 88 per cent believe AI will enhance their industry, up from 78 per cent in 2..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

SPECIAL OFFER
QR Code