Odisha Ropes In SLF To Bring Down Road Mishap Fatalities In 3 Years

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has roped in NGO Save LIFE Foundation (SLF) to identify the most vulnerable spots of road mishaps across the state to take remedial measures.

The government on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SLF in this regard. Sanjay Biswal, joint commissioner, Road Safety, State Transport Authority and Piyush Tewari, founder & CEO, SLF, New Delhi inked the agreement.

Speaking to the media on the sideline of signing of the MoU, Transport Commissioner Arun Bothra said there are around 335 black spots in the state including 100 spots which account for very high fatalities. The SLF will identify the 100 vulnerable spots and assist in taking steps to reduce road mishap deaths in next three years.

Besides identifying the black spots, the SLF team comprising experts from IITs and other reputed institutions will ascertain the reasons of the mishaps like poor lighting, curve, improper parking, enforcement, Bothra said.

The team will closely work with Lead Agency on Road Safety and analyse the state policy framework on road safety. It will also recommend changes or modifications in the policy framework to ensure effective implementation.

“As soon as the SLF submits its report, remedial measures will be undertaken. Once the steps are implemented, we hope the fatalities will be reduced by 30-50%,” Bothra said.