Bhubaneswar: In a bid to make roads safer through data intelligence and public participation, the government of Odisha has partnered with IIT Madras to develop a real-time Road Safety Dashboard, titled “Road Awareness and Traffic Harmony”.
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The initiative was the focal point of a high-level meeting chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department.
Road safety remains a top priority for the government. The state has undertaken several landmark initiatives, including the observance of Zero Accident Day (ZAD) every month, the launch of the ‘Come Home Safe’ campaign, deployment of the Surakhya mascot for community engagement, and technical capacity-building programs in partnership with premier institutions like IIT Madras. The development of the Dashboard aims to unify these efforts under a powerful, data-driven platform to enhance impact.
The Dashboard is being developed as a comprehensive digital solution providing real-time data, analytics, and visual insights for proactive road safety interventions. It will act as a central platform for policymakers and citizens alike, bridging technology and public participation. A key component of the Dashboard is the citizen-centric module “Sahayaka”, allowing individuals to report road accidents, helping to significantly reduce emergency response times. Citizens can also nominate Raahveers — local heroes and first responders who support road safety at the grassroots level.
The integration of the Dashboard with platforms such as the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) and eDAR-CCTNS is nearing completion. IIT Madras is also integrating its “Sanjaya” Road Safety Super App into the Dashboard ecosystem, making it a one-stop solution for all road safety stakeholders in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, Usha Padhee stated, “Road safety is a collective responsibility, and this Dashboard is a major leap forward in using real-time data, citizen input, and institutional coordination to save lives. It reflects our commitment to a safer, more responsive transport ecosystem in Odisha.”
The Dashboard brings together citizens and administrators on a single platform. It is about democratising road safety and enabling timely action through seamless integration, said Prof Venkatesh Balasubramanian.
The meeting concluded with a joint resolution from all participating stakeholders to accelerate implementation of the Dashboard and work in unison to make Odisha’s roads safer for all. The meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, IG Crime Branch Sarthak Sarangi, and other senior officials.
