Bhubaneswar, 4 January (H.S.) : Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Saturday that smart devices will be installed in all buses operating in the state to bolster road safety and minimize accidents. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the National Road Safety Month event in Bhubaneswar.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister highlighted that the state government will support private bus owners in equipping their vehicles with these advanced devices. The devices are designed to detect and prevent various emergencies and instances of negligence, including drunk driving and loss of consciousness.

“These smart devices can analyze breath, detect mechanical failures such as loss of steering, and monitor the driver’s condition to avert potential casualties,” he said.

Elaborating on the initiative, State Transport Secretary Usha Padhi shared that discussions regarding the manufacturing and procurement of these devices are underway with IIT Madras. “These devices can monitor multiple scenarios, including tracking the driver’s iris movement to detect drowsiness or sleep hypnosis, ensuring timely alerts to prevent accidents,” Padhi explained.

Debendra Sahu, General Secretary of the Odisha State Bus Owners’ Association, praised the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such technology in all vehicles. “We had earlier urged the state government to introduce such devices. This move will not only enhance awareness but also ensure the safety of drivers and passengers alike,” Sahu stated.

In addition to this safety measure, CM Majhi announced the recruitment of over 2,000 traffic police personnel to streamline traffic management and reduce accidents. As part of this plan, 500 personnel will be appointed this year.

The initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to leveraging technology and manpower to ensure safer roads across Odisha.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda