Bhubaneswar: In an effort to reduce road mishaps and ensure strict compliance with road safety regulations, the Transport Department has launched the ‘Zero Fatality Week’ campaign in Odisha.
The campaign will be observed during the first week of every month from September 2026 to March 2027. The initiative combines strict enforcement with large-scale public awareness programmes to promote safer road behaviour, said the Transport Department.
On the first day of the campaign, enforcement agencies issued a total of 44,746 e-challans across Odisha for various violations. Of these, 25,282 challans were issued for riding without helmets, while 4,160 were issued for over-speeding. Another 1,383 challans were issued for triple riding and 1,216 for driving vehicles without valid insurance.
Authorities also issued 703 challans for driving without seat belts, 549 for operating vehicles without permits, 157 for driving on the wrong side of the road and 91 for drunk driving. More than 500 challans were issued for other violations of motor vehicle rules. Among the Regional Transport Offices, Jharsuguda RTO issued the highest number of challans at 571, followed by Kataka RTO with 516, Puri RTO with 511, Ganjam RTO with 415 and Bhubaneswar-I RTO with 410 challans, added the department.
Alongside enforcement, the government has placed strong emphasis on creating awareness among motorists. The Transport Department, the Odisha Police and other concerned agencies have been directed to conduct awareness drives in association with voluntary organisations.
On the first day, awareness programmes were organised at several locations across the state, including Sonepur, Bhadrak, Talcher and Jajpur, in collaboration with transport authorities and drivers’ associations. Motorists were educated about the importance of following road safety rules and responsible driving.
The government is also focusing on road engineering and emergency medical care as part of its comprehensive road safety strategy. Special attention is being given to accident-prone routes and identified black spots across the state. Joint checking drives by the police and Transport Department will be intensified in districts reporting higher numbers of road accidents.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will also undertake necessary corrective measures at dangerous spots along national highways to improve road safety infrastructure.
Emergency medical response is another key component of the campaign. In coordination with the health Department, steps are being taken to strengthen emergency treatment facilities so that accident victims can receive medical attention as quickly as possible.
The authorities are also working to ensure that road accident victims receive treatment facilities without unnecessary hurdles through the PM relief scheme. In addition, individuals who come forward to save the lives of accident victims will be recognised through government initiatives such as ‘Rahabir’ and ‘Good Samaritan’ awards.
The Transport Department has appealed to citizens to cooperate with the government’s road safety initiatives and strictly follow traffic rules. Officials stressed that reducing road fatalities requires not only enforcement but also responsible behaviour and greater public awareness.
The ‘Zero Fatality Week’ campaign is aimed at making road safety a continuous public movement, with the broader objective of reducing accidents and protecting precious lives across Odisha, said the department.
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