Bhubaneswar: Launch of a standard operating procedure (SOP) for vehicles going on picnics and pilgrimages, and a walkathon were among the host of events that marked the inauguration of state-level Road Safety Week 2024 here, Monday. Commerce and Transport (C&T) Minister Tukuni Sahu inaugurated the seven-day state-level Road Safety Week 2024 – themed ‘Sadak Surakhya, Parivar Rakhya’ – at KIIT Deemed to be University here in the morning.
As part of the event, a van was flagged off that will move throughout the district and showcase short films to spread awareness of road safety. Besides, an SOP for vehicles going on picnics and pilgrimages was also unveiled during the event. “Vehicles need special permits from RTOs for picnics and pilgrimages. Posters featuring testimonials from road mishap victims or their family members, along with accident photos, need to be displayed at major picnic spots.
Police personnel shall conduct a thorough inspection of vehicles near picnic spots or pilgrim places to identify and prevent the transportation of hazardous or objectionable materials like cooking gas, kerosene oil, and firecrackers,” an official said elaborating on the SOP that would help curb road mishaps. The inauguration was followed by a walkathon that began at the educational institution and concluded at the driving test centre in Chandrasekharpur area of the City. People from various walks of life, including school and college students, took part in the walkathon.
According to the C&T minister, road safety is not limited to the safety of the individual but is connected to the safety of their family and other road users as well. “It (road safety) extends beyond mere duty and should be a shared responsibility among all road users,” Sahu said. C&T department Principal Secretary Usha Padhee said the state government was leaving no stone unturned to sensitise everyone about the importance of road safety. “It is the responsibility of road users to follow traffic rules as they will ultimately ensure a safer road for everyone,” added Padhee. Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur emphasised the importance of road safety in daily lives. He highlighted that the role of students in spreading road safety awareness among peers and family is very impactful. Additional Transport Commissioner (Road Safety) Lalmohan Sethi, Joint Transport Commissioner (Road Safety) Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, and other senior officials were present during the inauguration ceremony.
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
