Bhubaneswar: An automated warning siren system has been installed at Kalinga Ghat in Odisha’s Kandhamal district to check rising road accidents on this road stretch during the winter season.
According to the State Transport Authority (STA) release, sirens developed in partnership with IIT Bhubaneswar have been installed on both sides of the ghat on a pilot basis. The system uses sensors to detect oncoming vehicles on narrow, high-risk bends and triggers loud sirens to alert drivers of oncoming vehicles from the opposite direction, promoting cautious driving, especially during winter when fog and increased traffic contribute to higher accident rates.
Besides fog, the number of accidents increases on the ghat section due the heavy rush of picnic-goers.
The STA emphasised that technology-based solutions are critical for tackling challenges posed by difficult terrains. “This pilot project is part of broader efforts by the Commerce and Transport Department to enhance road safety, including awareness campaigns and enforcement measures. If successful, the system will be expanded to other accident-prone areas, leveraging technology and institutional partnerships to save lives,” it added.
