"Odisha Set to Launch New Road Safety Policy"

 

The Odisha government is preparing to introduce the Odisha State Road Policy (OSRP), targeting the construction of 75,000 kilometers of high-quality roads over the next five years. This ambitious plan aims to significantly enhance the commuting experience and prioritize road safety. A preparatory meeting for the OSRP was recently held at the Lok Seva Bhavan's Conference Hall, chaired by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg. During the meeting, the Works Department gave a detailed presentation on the various aspects of OSRP-2024.

Key discussions centered on strengthening road infrastructure across the state, improving traffic management, and enhancing road safety. One critical issue raised was the need for a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to facilitate the transfer of road management responsibilities between departments for better traffic regulation. The meeting also addressed creating dedicated funds for road maintenance and identifying high-risk areas or "blackspots" to improve safety.

According to the plans, the 75,000 kilometers of new roads will be distributed among various departments. The Rural Development Department will handle the largest portion, overseeing the construction of 30,000 kilometers. The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department is responsible for building 22,800 kilometers, while the Works Department will construct 15,000 kilometers. In addition, the Water Resources Department will develop 5,000 kilometers of roads, and the Housing and Urban Development Department will be tasked with constructing 1,200 kilometers. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) will also contribute by constructing 1,000 kilometers of roads.

The policy also focuses on modernizing existing roads and bridges, with a particular emphasis on identifying and addressing accident-prone areas. Alongside this, the Transport Department will develop truck terminals equipped with essential facilities to support logistics and transport.

For efficient implementation, various line departments—such as Works, Rural Development, Housing and Urban Development, NHAI, and Water Resources—have been assigned specific responsibilities. According to the upcoming policy, state highways will be expanded to a minimum of four lanes, while major and minor district roads will be two-lane routes.

In mining and industrial areas, two-lane service roads will be built alongside six-lane highways, with dedicated Utility Corridors for essential infrastructure such as underground drainage and telephone lines. The meeting also covered plans to create blueprints for road construction in key areas like district and block headquarters, tourist destinations, mining and industrial zones, municipal regions, and railway stations.

Lastly, a committee will be established to oversee the formulation and execution of the new road policy, ensuring that all aspects of the plan are properly implemented and meet the state’s growing infrastructure needs.