What Are the Highlights of Odisha CM Majhi's ‘Zero Accident Day’ Campaign?
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Synopsis
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has launched the ambitious ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign aimed at enhancing road safety. The initiative includes new technological partnerships, significant investments in infrastructure, and a call for behavioral changes among drivers. This campaign is set to run until June 28, making it a pivotal moment for road safety in the state.
Key Takeaways
- Odisha's ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign aims for road safety.
- Partnership with IIT Madras enhances technological approaches.
- 55 new road safety initiatives launched.
- Importance of driver behavior change emphasized.
- Significant investments in road infrastructure announced.
Bhubaneswar, June 3 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, initiated the ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign on Tuesday with the goal of fostering a collective commitment to ensure the safety of all individuals navigating the roads across the state.
This initiative, which is being executed in partnership with IIT Madras, will run until June 28.
Majhi underscored the collaboration with IIT Chennai, stating, “We have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with IIT Chennai to incorporate innovative technologies and scientific methodologies in promoting road safety. Their expertise will aid us in applying effective strategies.”
On this occasion, Majhi also introduced 55 new road safety projects and infrastructure developments, amounting to Rs 575.77 crore.
Stressing the significance of safety from start to finish, the Chief Minister called upon all citizens to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to ensure a secure return home.
During a special ceremony at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi remarked, “Accidents are not merely personal losses; they have a profound impact on the state and national economy. Each life lost on the road is a loss for everyone.”
He emphasized the urgent need for a change in driver behavior, noting that 75.2 percent of road fatalities in India stem from overspeeding. He cautioned against hazardous practices such as intoxicated driving, driving against traffic, and using mobile devices while driving.
Majhi reminded drivers, “Speed thrills, but it also kills.”
The Chief Minister also inaugurated 11 fully automated driving test centers in districts including Sonepur, Chandikhol, Bhanjanagar, Mayurbhanj, Rairangpur, Balangir, Talcher, Malkangiri, Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, and Deogarh, with a total investment of Rs 24 crore.
The second phase of the Driving Electronic Enforcement to Save Human Lives (DISHA) project, with a budget of Rs 215 crore, was also launched during the event.
Additionally, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for another 1,007 km stretch under the third phase of DISHA, inaugurated Odisha’s second registered vehicle scrapping facility in Jajpur district, and the first automated vehicle inspection center in Cuttack.
He also laid the groundwork for 20 more automated vehicle inspection centers statewide, allocating Rs 211 crore for their establishment.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister flagged off 15 Volvo buses under the ‘Jagannath Express’ initiative, which connects Puri to Ayodhya, Tirupati, Ujjain, Hyderabad, Bhilai, Bhubaneswar to Visakhapatnam, Bhawanipatna, and Raigarh to Hyderabad.
This project involves an investment of Rs 27.3 crore. The Chief Minister also inaugurated modern Atal Bus Stands in Basudevpur and Dhamara in Bhadrak district, as well as Basta in Balasore.
During the event, the OSRTC’s Integrated Transport Management System (ITMS) and the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) were also launched.
Point of View
The ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign stands as a proactive approach to addressing road safety. The collaboration with IIT Chennai, coupled with substantial investments in infrastructure, highlights a commitment to reducing road fatalities. This campaign reflects a growing awareness of the economic and social costs of accidents, urging citizens towards safer driving practices.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign?
The ‘Zero Accident Day’ campaign aims to foster a collective commitment towards ensuring road safety for everyone in Odisha.
How long will the campaign run?
The campaign will continue until June 28.
What partnership supports this initiative?
The campaign is being held in collaboration with IIT Madras.
What new projects were introduced during the launch?
The launch included 55 new road safety initiatives and infrastructure projects worth Rs 575.77 crore.
What is the DISHA project?
The DISHA project focuses on electronic enforcement measures aimed at saving human lives on the road.
