+
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.

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India to Invest Rs 600 Billion to Upgrade 1,000 ITIs

As part of its drive to modernise vocational training, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), in collaboration with Gujarat’s Labour and Employment Department, held a State-Level Workshop at the NAMTECH Campus within IIT-Gandhinagar to discuss the National Scheme for ITI Upgradation.The consultation brought together key stakeholders from industry and the training ecosystem to align expectations and support implementation of the scheme, which aims to transform 1,000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) across India using a hub-and-spoke model. The total outlay stands ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Unveils Rs 600 Billion Maritime Finance Push

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) hosted the Maritime Financing Summit 2025 in New Delhi, bringing together over 250 stakeholders including policymakers, industry leaders, global investors, and financial institutions. The summit, held under the ambit of Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision (MAKV) 2047, focused on transforming India into a leading maritime power with strengthened financial, infrastructural, and technological capabilities.Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal emphasised India's strategic progress, noting that average port turnaround times have dropped from four days to u..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Govt Allocates Rs 500 Million To Boost Community Radio

The Central Government, through its ‘Supporting Community Radio Movement in India’ scheme, has allocated Rs 500 million to strengthen the community radio ecosystem across the country. The initiative aims to assist both newly established and long-operational Community Radio Stations (CRSs), ensuring their relevance to local educational, social, cultural, and developmental needs.According to the policy published by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, CRSs may be set up by not-for-profit organisations with at least three years of demonstrated community service. These stations are ex..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?