Odisha Leads Public Transport Safety Transformation on World Transport Day

11 Nov 2024 CW Team

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.

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