Biplab Das 
Odisha, in the last five years, witnessed a staggering total of 54,790 road accidents, resulting in 25,934 fatalities and 51,873 injuries, according to Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu’s revelation in the state Assembly. The minister responded to BJP MLA Kusum Tete’s inquiry about road accidents and the government’s expenditure on awareness initiatives.
Fatalities and compensation
The Odisha government has offered compensation of INR 2 lakh to the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 to those seriously injured in road accidents. The tragic toll underscores the need for enhanced safety measures on the state’s roads.
Awareness programmes expenditure
Despite allocating INR 7,921 lakh for awareness programs aimed at curbing road mishaps, the correlation between spending and accident reduction appears elusive. The government’s report indicates an expenditure of INR 2394 lakh in 2022-23 for public awareness. Paradoxically, the road accident figures for 2022 surged to 11,663 from 10,984 in 2021.
Concerns over effectiveness
The substantial spending on awareness programs raises questions about their effectiveness in translating into a tangible decrease in road accidents. The minister’s response highlights a pressing need for a reevaluation of existing initiatives to enhance road safety and minimise the human cost of accidents.
Government’s commitment to road safety
While the government’s compensation measures demonstrate a commitment to supporting victims’ families, the persistently high number of road accidents underscores the complexity of the challenge. The discrepancy between awareness spending and accident rates suggests a potential gap in strategy that demands urgent attention.
Ongoing challenges and future strategies
As Odisha grapples with the persistent issue of road accidents, policymakers may need to reassess the current awareness programs’ impact and explore more targeted strategies. Addressing the root causes and improving road infrastructure could be pivotal in achieving a significant reduction in accidents and ensuring the safety of road users in the state.
