Road Safety / Road Accidents Surge in Bhubaneswar, Police Grapple with Rising Fatalities

Bhubaneswar, Aug 4: The Commissionerate Police is grappling with an alarming rise in road accidents across Odisha’s capital. In just six months, Bhubaneswar has reported 500 accidents that claimed 130 lives and left 371 people grievously injured. Despite government campaigns such as the National Road Safety Month, the situation on highways and city roads remains grim.

Accident-prone zones have emerged across the city, with Infovalley, Jatani Road, Khandagiri, Mancheswar, and Pahal turning into hotspots. Infovalley alone recorded 29 accidents, leading to 16 deaths and 18 serious injuries. Jatani reported 24 accidents with 15 fatalities, while Khandagiri saw 43 accidents resulting in 13 deaths and 27 injuries. Pahal and Mancheswar too reported high casualty figures, underscoring the gravity of the crisis.

The data reveals a disturbing trend-- compared to 2025, accident rates in 2026 have risen by 10.7 per cent, while fatalities have increased by 10 per cent. Reckless driving, overspeeding, and intoxicated motorists are cited as major causes behind the spike.
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The crisis was further highlighted by a gruesome accident on NH‑16 near Tamando flyover. On July 26, a fish vendor was fatally dragged for nearly three kilometres by an SUV after being knocked unconscious in a hit‑and‑run. His cousin sustained serious injuries, and police later arrested the accused driver. The incident has triggered outrage and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of traffic laws.

The surge in fatalities has now become a pressing concern for the State government. Officials stress the urgent need for stricter policing, improved road engineering, and sustained awareness campaigns. Without immediate intervention, Bhubaneswar’s roads risk turning into death traps for commuters, leaving the Commissionerate Police under mounting pressure to restore safety.