Bhubaneswar: Odisha Police is gearing up to establish three specialised units to address emerging challenges of urban terrorism, the narcotics trade and rising road accidents.
Speaking to mediapersons, DGP YB Khurania informed that proposals for an Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), an Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and a dedicated Road Safety Wing have already been submitted to the state government, with approval expected soon.
Field-level training for commandos earmarked for the proposed ATS has already begun.
Khurania noted that specialised units such as the Special Operations Group (SOG), Special Intelligence Wing (SIW) and District Voluntary Force (DVF) played a crucial role in combating the Maoist threat. With significant progress achieved against Left-wing extremism, the force is now shifting focus to urban warfare scenarios that could arise in the state’s rapidly growing cities. The ATS is intended to strengthen internal security and enable rapid responses to potential terror-related threats.
Earlier reports indicated that the unit would function as a specialised investigation wing with statewide jurisdiction, potentially replacing or expanding upon existing structures, while leveraging advanced training facilities at the SOG campus in Chandaka, which includes a state-of-the-art counter-terrorism centre capable of training hundreds of personnel simultaneously.
To curb the illegal narcotics trade, including cannabis cultivation and trafficking, the proposed ANTF will operate under an ADG-rank officer and include 10 dedicated police stations along with 19 intelligence units spread across the state. This specialised force aims to provide a focused approach to investigation and disruption of drug networks.
Police have previously reported large-scale enforcement successes, including the destruction of tens of thousands of acres of illegal ganja cultivation and seizures valued in the thousands of crores of rupees, underscoring the need for a more structured response.
Separately, a Road Safety Wing headed by an ADG-rank officer and comprising around 2,000 personnel has been planned to tackle the rising number of road accidents and related fatalities. Once operational, the unit is expected to significantly improve traffic management, enforcement and emergency response, building on earlier government initiatives to strengthen highway safety and traffic infrastructure.
Khurania made the remarks during the DGP’s Disc distribution ceremony, emphasising that the new units will become functional after receiving government approval and will enhance the overall preparedness of Odisha Police against contemporary security and public safety challenges.
