Bhubaneswar: In a bid to enhance road safety awareness and reduce accidents, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has decided to collaborate with Puja committees across the state.
As part of this initiative, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has written to all District Magistrates (DMs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs), requesting them to discuss this proposal in coordination meetings with Puja committees.
The objective is to display road safety messages at every Puja pandal and involve ward-level volunteers in spreading awareness. The campaign aims to leverage large gatherings during festivals to promote safe travel practices and encourage adherence to traffic rules, official sources said.
The Transport Commissioner emphasised that road accidents have become a matter of concern, and the government is keen on increasing road safety awareness to reduce such incidents. By involving Puja committees, the authority aims to reach a wider audience and make a positive impact on road safety.
The initiative also seeks to empower senior members of Puja committees, who are often respected as community leaders, to promote road safety in their areas beyond the festival period. The Transport Authority has urged all DMs, SPs, and Deputy Commissioners of Police in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar to support this effort.
This campaign will not only focus on Durga Puja but also other major festivals, emphasizing the importance of road safety awareness throughout the year. The STA has directed all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to actively participate in this initiative and ensure that road safety messages reach a larger audience.
By working together with Puja committees and local authorities, the STA aims to create a safer and more responsible road environment for all citizens.
