What is SuVahak scheme
Odisha's Transport Department launched the SuVahak scheme to address the growing concerns of road safety, driven by the Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety's call for solutions to curb road accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The goal was to achieve "Zero Accidents" in the state. Palladium Consulting India Private Limited was engaged as a Technical Support Unit to provide strategic advisory services for the initiative, helping the government make proactive decisions to reduce accidents.
The SuVahak scheme specifically targets the skills of HMV drivers, who contribute to about 21% of fatal accidents in Odisha. Four Institutes of Driving Training and Research Centers were established across Odisha through public-private partnerships. These centers aim to improve road safety by providing comprehensive training programs. To date, 23,186 refresher drivers and 5,942 new drivers have been trained under this initiative. Additionally, 1,612 drivers have secured employment opportunities, and 30 were selected by NAVIS HR from these centers for overseas employment with attractive remuneration.
Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, upon receiving the award, expressed his heartfelt gratitude."The Odisha Road Safety Project stands as a beacon of what can be achieved when the government, civil society, and the private sector unite with a common purpose. The lives we've saved underscore the effectiveness of data-driven strategies and the importance of community involvement," he stated. "India’s roads have long been the scene of countless tragedies, with thousands of lives lost annually, leaving families devastated and communities in sorrow. Odisha, too, faced this harsh reality, with its roads claiming numerous lives daily. But the state was resolute in its commitment to alter this bleak narrative."
The initiative also saw other significant advancements in road safety infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Director of Palladium, Kailas Patil, elaborated on these efforts. “The road safety crisis in Odisha is multi-faceted. Insufficient infrastructure, awareness, and stringent enforcement have all contributed to the number of accidents reported. To address these challenges, a series of targeted interventions were implemented by the State Transport Authority under its Road Safety Project with Palladium as TSU. The establishment of 55 new trauma care centers and partnerships with 19 private hospitals have significantly improved emergency response. Training programs have equipped 12,865 first responders and 9,700 NCC cadets with life-saving skills. Also, the annual National Road Safety Short Film Festival involving over 5,000 participants has heightened public awareness. STA’s road safety project backed with Palladium’s strategic support has become a model for other states which can replicate its holistic approach to reducing road traffic injuries and fatalities."
Odisha's initiative for road safety
Odisha's efforts to improve road safety have set a benchmark for other states. The establishment of new trauma care centers, collaboration with private hospitals, and extensive training programs for first responders are vital components of this comprehensive strategy. The annual National Road Safety Short Film Festival also plays a crucial role in raising public awareness about road safety.
The FICCI Road Safety Award 2024 is a recognition of the collaborative effort between the government, civil society, and the private sector, aiming to make roads safer for everyone. The data-driven strategies and community involvement have shown tangible results, with many lives saved in Odisha.
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