Odisha Reiterates ‘Safety First’ Mandate in City Bus Operations | Tech & Training Drive Safer Transit
The Government of Odisha has reaffirmed its commitment to passenger safety by conducting a comprehensive review of city bus operations in January 2026.
Chaired by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, IAS, the meeting emphasised strict compliance with safety protocols, operator accountability, and technology-backed monitoring to minimise road accidents.
Officials reviewed accident data from 2025, noting disciplinary actions such as termination, suspension, and de-rostering against drivers found at fault.
The government stressed a zero-tolerance approach toward unsafe driving, reinforced by daily alcohol testing of bus crews.
Technology adoption emerged as a key focus, with proof-of-concept trials for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems (DFMS) completed.
These systems will be rolled out across fleets to enhance driver alertness and reduce collision risks.
Mandatory training at the Institute of Driving Training and Research (IDTR) was reiterated for new recruits, alongside continuous capacity-building programs covering defensive driving, electric bus operations, first aid, and emergency response.
Operators were directed to enforce lane discipline, speed limits, and regulated duty hours to prevent fatigue-related risks.
Senior officials, including CRUT MD Sanjay Biswal and GM Sahadev Samadhi, attended the meeting, along with representatives from AMA Bus operators.
The government concluded by stressing that technology, enforcement, and accountability will form the backbone of Odisha’s road safety strategy, ensuring secure and citizen-centric public transport.
