Odisha to launch ‘Zero Fatality Fortnight’ from Nov 16 to achieve safer roads

Bhubaneswar, Nov 13 (UNI): The Odisha Government has announced a state-wide observance of ‘Zero Fatality Fortnight’ from November 16 to 30, with the goal of achieving zero road accident deaths through coordinated efforts and active public participation.

The initiative, led by the Commerce and Transport Department, will be carried out in close collaboration with district administrations, police departments, Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and other key agencies.

The fortnight-long campaign will emphasise the four critical pillars of road safety, enforcement, engineering, education, and emergency Care.
A zero-tolerance policy will be strictly enforced against traffic violations. Intensive checking drives will be undertaken by RTOs, police, and district authorities across highways, markets, educational institutions, and other high-traffic zones.

Offences such as overspeeding, drunk driving, mobile phone use while driving, and non-compliance with helmet or seat-belt laws will attract strict action under the Motor Vehicles Act.

District authorities have been instructed to focus on identified accident black spots and take corrective engineering measures.

This includes immediate repair of damaged road stretches, installation of proper signage, and rectification of design flaws in coordination with relevant agencies.
Alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness programmes will be conducted to promote responsible road behaviour.

Both government and private organisations will collaborate to spread the message that “Every Life Matters.”

Citizens will also be encouraged to act as Good Samaritans, extending timely assistance to accident victims without fear of legal complications.

Odisha’s earlier observance of ‘Zero Fatality Week’ had led to a significant reduction in road accident deaths. Building on that success, the initiative has now been expanded to a fortnight-long campaign.

Reducing road accidents is a crucial part of the State’s vision for a “Developed Odisha.”

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s message, “Return Home Safely,” continues to inspire citizens across the state.

The Government has appealed to all citizens to make road safety a shared responsibility, ensuring that every journey ends safely.