Odisha Govt Seeks Feasibility Report On Lane Driving From Police

Bhubaneswar: The Transport department has sought a feasibility report on lane driving on national highways from police headquarters.

Transport secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi has written to DGP Abhay regarding the report in order to reduce the accident rate. The report stated that the Supreme Court had on November 30, 2017, issued a number of directions related to road safety measures to all states.

In one of the directions, the apex court had categorically asked the states to strictly implement motor vehicles (driving) regulations-2017 that mandates lane-driving and also provides the protocol for overtaking. But the SC order has not been implemented in the state till date, the letter said.

For compliance of the direction of the Supreme Court, steps may be taken for implementation of lane driving guidelines in Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Commissionerate Police area in the first phase for safety of road users and to reduce traffic congestion. Subsequently, lane driving guidelines may be implemented in other cities and highways, Padhi said.

Around 1040 road accidents took place due to wrong side driving and faulty overtaking and killed 445 people in the state in 2019, according to sources.