Bhubaneswar, 12 March (H.S.): Odisha has reported 1,616 road accidents so far in 2026, resulting in 1,025 fatalities and 1,594 injuries, the State Assembly was informed on Thursday.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Ananta Narayan Jena, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena stated that the accidents occurred across various categories of roads in the state. On National Highways, 447 accidents were reported, resulting in 270 deaths and 469 injuries. State Highways witnessed 246 accidents, claiming 150 lives and injuring 259 people. The majority of accidents, 910 in total, took place on other roads across the state, leading to 594 fatalities and 856 injuries. In addition, 13 accidents occurred on expressways, resulting in 11 deaths and 10 injuries.

Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena emphasized that road safety continues to be a major concern in Odisha and stressed the need for enhanced measures to reduce accidents. He called for stricter traffic enforcement and awareness campaigns targeting both drivers and commuters.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda