Keonjhar, Sept 13: In a landmark move to promote road safety and reduce traffic-related fatalities, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday launched the “Zero Accident Day” campaign in Keonjhar on Saturday.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Commerce and Transport Department, aims to make Odisha an accident-free state through sustained awareness and community participation.

Keonjhar becomes the first district in the state to adopt this campaign following its successful rollout in Bhubaneswar. The launch event witnessed the Chief Minister flagging off road safety awareness drives across all 13 blocks of the district. He also inaugurated a symbolic “Zero Accident Selfie Point” and felicitated road safety advocates for their contributions.

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Addressing the media, CM Majhi emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility. “It’s not just the government’s duty—every citizen must play a role in preventing accidents,” he said. He particularly highlighted the importance of vigilance in mining-affected regions like Keonjhar, where traffic risks are higher due to industrial activity.

The campaign’s launch was attended by several dignitaries, including Rajya Sabha MP Sujit Kumar, Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, and local MLAs. Senior officials such as DGP Yogesh Bahadur Khurania and District Collector Vishal Singh were also present on the occasion.

With technical support from IIT Madras, a 14-day road safety program has been initiated to educate citizens on accident prevention strategies. The program includes workshops, interactive sessions, and community outreach activities designed to instill a culture of safety and responsibility.

The “Zero Accident Day” campaign is expected to set a precedent for other districts in Odisha, combining policy, technology, and public engagement to tackle road safety challenges. As Keonjhar takes the lead, the state moves closer to its vision of safer roads and responsible driving.