Road safety drive lacks progress

Jharsuguda: A comprehensive review of district road safety measures is conducted during the last week of every month. This meeting is attended by key stakeholders, including district administration officials, the Police Department, the Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs), and the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) representatives.

Jharsuguda district officials recently emphasised the need for inter-departmental coordination to curb accidents and fatalities. Key discussions focused on tackling illegal roadside parking and intensifying overload checks on transport vehicles.

To address the accident-prone stretch between Bakshi Chowk and Gandhi Chowk in Brajrajnagar, the National Highways Authority of India was instructed in February to install night lighting and rumble strips near H-Katapali School and hockey stadium. Five months later, however, no progress has been made, highlighting a critical delay in executing these safety measures.

Discussions were held regarding the removal of illegal “dhabas” and other roadside encroachments. The route experiences heavy daily traffic, including hundreds of large freight trucks, cars, and two-wheelers. As the corridor services major industrial facilities—such as a steel plant, MSP plant, and TPSL plant—workers commute constantly during night shifts. Additionally, students face significant hazards when crossing the road, escalating the imminent risk of accidents.