Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of Rakhi Purnima, the Transport Department of Odisha organised a unique road safety awareness campaign on Thursday, connecting the spirit of Rakhi as a “Promise of Safety” with the cause of road safety.
Rakhi is not merely a symbol of love between brothers and sisters; it represents a sacred promise to protect one another. Similarly, following road safety rules while travelling is a responsible commitment towards the safety of oneself, one’s family and other road users.
To further strengthen this message, a special road safety programme was organised at Esplanade Mall, Bhubaneswar. During the programme, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur felicitated drivers who were following traffic rules and driving responsibly, and presented them with appreciation certificates and gifts.
In particular, two-wheeler riders where both the rider and pillion rider were wearing helmets, car drivers using seat belts, and drivers carrying all necessary documents and complying with essential road safety and traffic rules were identified and encouraged as part of the campaign.
While the Transport Department regularly issues challans and takes action as per law against traffic rule violators, recognising and encouraging citizens who follow the rules is a key feature of this campaign. Publicly appreciating responsible road users is expected to inspire other drivers to follow traffic rules and further strengthen the culture of road safety across the State.
Road safety experts Subrat Nanda and Amiyabala Parida attended the programme as guests. Members of Prajapita Brahma Kumaris also participated in the campaign and extended their support towards the road safety awareness initiative.
On the occasion, Additional Transport Commissioners Diptiranjan Patra and Samarendra Patnaik, Joint Transport Commissioners Bikash Choudhury and Ramanivas Sirkha, senior police officer Umakanta Pradhan, Bhubaneswar-I RTO Manas Mishra and Bhubaneswar-II RTO Pranaya Mishra, among others, were present.
The departmental officers appealed to the public to wear helmets, use seat belts, never drive under the influence of alcohol, follow traffic rules and act as responsible road users.
