Odisha CM Announces 2K New Traffic Cop Posts, Calls For Strengthening Night Patrolling

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will create 2,000 new traffic police posts to deal with increasing vehicular traffic in the state.

In late night review of state’s law and order situation, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi prioritised reducing road accidents, addressing cyber crimes, and curbing ganja cultivation. He emphasised on strengthening the traffic management system. “We plan to create additional 2,000 posts. The home department and police will ensure transparent and fair recruitment procedures,” he said.

The CM made the announcement after being told that the current 2,198 traffic police personnel are inadequate.

Majhi also directed police to improve urban surveillance, especially during night hours. The police department was instructed to deploy additional CCTV cameras at crucial points in Bhubaneswar and other main cities.

The Twin City police commissioner was asked to intensify night patrolling and law enforcement system in the cities in the backdrop of the recent daylight murder of a sanitary supervisor and death of two retired police personnel near Raj Bhavan due to rash driving by a youth.

The CM also announced plans for an advanced cyber forensic laboratory to address cyber security challenges. He directed for opening of 20 new cyber police stations in addition to the existing 14, aiming to cover all districts in the state. These new stations will receive modern equipment and skilled staff for handling digital offences. He also emphasised on strengthening the operational police stations and making them more robust during discussions with Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, DGP Y B Khurania, and Home Secretary Satyabrata Sahu,

In 2024, a total of 2,633 cyber crime cases were registered in the state.

Majhi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminate Maoists by 2026, aligning with the Centre’s objectives. He also directed police to take strong measures to prevent ganja cultivation and smuggling in the state, a statement from the CMO said.

The CM also commended the cooperation of the state police during cyclone relief efforts, DG and IG conference, Navy Day in Puri and the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas in Bhubaneswar