Odisha's Rising Tide of Road Mishaps

In the past three years, Odisha witnessed 36,030 road accidents, resulting in 17,348 fatalities and 31,441 injuries. The number of incidents and casualties increased annually. Despite observing National Road Safety Month, road mishaps continued, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures.

Odisha witnessed a staggering rise in road mishaps over the past three years, with transport officials reporting 36,030 accidents in total. These incidents tragically led to the loss of 17,348 lives and left 31,441 individuals injured, according to Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena's statement in the assembly.

The detailed data submitted in response to a query from BJD legislator Prasanta Behera highlighted a disturbing trend of increasing accidents each year. In 2022, 5,467 people lost their lives, a number that climbed to 5,739 in 2023 and further rose to 6,142 in 2024. Injuries followed a similar upward trajectory, with 10,770 people injured in 2024.

Despite the state observing National Road Safety Month in January 2025, with an expenditure of Rs 1.89 crore, Odisha reported 484 accidents during the same month. These led to 505 fatalities and 472 injured, emphasizing the need for urgent road safety measures.

(With inputs from agencies.)