Bhubaneswar, Jan 12 (NationPress) Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, raised significant concerns regarding the increasing rate of road accidents both within the state and nationwide. He officially launched a series of groundbreaking road safety measures during a special event in honor of National Road Safety Month, aiming to mitigate road mishaps.

While speaking at the Lok Seva Bhawan's Convention Hall, Majhi highlighted the state government's commitment to implementing four critical 'E's for road safety: Education, Enforcement (rigorous application of traffic regulations), Engineering (enhancing safety through better road infrastructure and advanced vehicle technology), and Emergency (ensuring swift medical aid in times of crisis).

Additionally, the Chief Minister proposed two further 'E's—Environment and Evaluation. He stressed the necessity for strict compliance with vehicle emission standards and the importance of assessing the effectiveness of road safety initiatives. Such evaluations will help adapt and improve road safety programs over time.

Majhi underscored the significance of road safety by declaring that it is now a fundamental aspect of Good Governance. He expressed optimism that this would enhance the vigilance of government officials in this crucial area.

On this occasion, the Chief Minister introduced the Chief Minister’s Road Safety Scheme Award. This award will recognize districts, educational institutions, and private entities for their innovative contributions to road safety.

He further mentioned that districts demonstrating commendable performance will receive rewards, while those underperforming will face accountability. Schools and institutions will also be recognized for their outstanding road safety initiatives.

Majhi is hopeful that these measures will elevate road safety awareness across diverse communities and significantly contribute to reducing road accidents. An innovative approach was unveiled for enhancing safety on ghat roads; at Kalinga Ghat, a pilot warning bell system was inaugurated to alert drivers of approaching vehicles.

The system will activate a siren when vehicles approach from either direction on the ghat road, thereby warning drivers. Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with IIT Kharagpur to advance traffic management strategies in the Cuttack–Bhubaneswar Twin City. Following the IIT’s recommendations, actions will be taken to enhance traffic management in both cities. On Monday, the Chief Minister also inaugurated 15 charging stations in Bhubaneswar.

It was announced that an additional 85 charging stations are currently under construction throughout the state, set to be inaugurated soon. On the same day, CM Majhi inaugurated 14 new Atal Bus Stands, which were built across 10 districts at a cost of Rs 156.53 crore. Moreover, he unveiled a total of 71 projects under the state Works Department, with an estimated budget of Rs 6,700 crore. Among these, foundation stones for 39 projects worth around Rs 5,630 crore were laid, while 32 projects with an investment of approximately Rs 1,070 crore were inaugurated.