Bhubaneswar/Cuttack, Mar 21: Odisha has launched a state-wide road safety campaign with strict enforcement and awareness drives aimed at reducing accidents and fatalities.

On the very first day of the initiative, authorities issued a staggering 17,831 e-challans for violations of the Motor Vehicles Act, collecting fines amounting to ₹9.57 crore. Additionally, 64 vehicles were seized for serious breaches of road safety rules.

The campaign, directed by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, is being implemented across districts from Cuttack to Koraput and Balasore to Bargarh. Enforcement teams are operating in both morning and evening shifts, and the drive will continue until March 31.

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Alongside enforcement, Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) are conducting awareness programs to educate drivers and the public about the importance of following traffic rules.

On the opening day, officials engaged with motorists at various locations, explaining the dangers of speeding, drunk driving, riding without helmets, driving against traffic flow, illegal parking, mobile phone use while driving, and overloading.

Special focus has been placed on accident-prone zones, highways, mining and industrial areas, busy city roads, markets, and bus stands. Heavy vehicles such as tippers, dumpers, and trucks are being closely monitored for compliance with licensing and loading regulations.

The campaign is not limited to enforcement. Innovative awareness activities were carried out across districts. In Dhenkanal, violators were sensitized with chocolates and flowers, while in Bhubaneswar, long-distance bus drivers and staff attended safety workshops.

Jajpur hosted a programme on vehicle pollution control, linking road safety with environmental protection. Other districts organized blood donation camps, eye check-up camps, driver counseling sessions, and discussions with transport unions and vehicle owner associations.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s appeal — “Come Home Safe” — forms the guiding principle of this campaign. The Odisha Transport Authority has urged all road users to strictly follow traffic rules and contribute to making roads safer for everyone. Officials emphasized that road safety is a collective responsibility and a vital mission to save lives.