NAYAGARH: (Report- Ramakrushna Rath): In a significant move to curb road accidents and promote safer driving practices, the Nayagarh Regional Transport Office (RTO) officially launched a "Zero Fatality Awareness Chariot" today. The inauguration ceremony took place within the premises of the District Collector's office, marking the start of a district-wide campaign aimed at saving lives on the road. 
Nayagarh Launches Zero Fatality Drive for Road Safety


Mr. Bijayanand Nayak, the Additional District Collector, inaugurated the event by flagging off the specially designed awareness vehicle. This chariot will traverse all corners of Nayagarh district from November 16th to November 30th, carrying its vital message of road safety directly to the public.
The launch event also featured a well-attended awareness meeting, presided over by the Regional Transport Officer, Mr. Nirmal Mohanty. In his welcome address, Mr. Mohanty presented sobering statistics to underscore the urgency of the campaign. He revealed that India witnesses approximately 1.5 lakh fatalities annually due to road accidents. Closer to home, he reported that Odisha alone has seen a staggering 48,000 accident-related deaths over the last decade.
Mr. Mohanty expressed strong hope that a collective and conscious effort from all sections of society can effectively control the accident rate. He led all attendees in taking a solemn pledge dedicated to road safety and concluded his remarks by thanking the public for their participation.
The event saw the presence of several dignitaries. Mr. Nayak, serving as the chief guest, emphasized the critical importance of caution and attentiveness while driving. He highlighted that simple carelessness often leads to tragic consequences.
As the guest of honor, SDPO Jyoti Ranjan Samantaray addressed the legal aspects of road safety. He stressed the need for strict adherence to mandatory vehicle-related laws, including regular mechanical checks of automobiles. The SDPO appealed to everyone to respect and follow traffic laws, noting that public cooperation is the cornerstone of safer roads.
The gathering was a testament to community-wide involvement. District Information and Public Relations Officer Jyotsnamayee Acharya joined the event. Representatives from civil society organizations, the Private Bus Owners' Association, including its President, Secretary, and members, were also present. The office was well-represented by staff including Assistant Regional Transport Officers, Junior Vehicle Inspectors, and Traffic Inspectors. Members from various driver unions also attended, showing a unified front from all stakeholders in the transport ecosystem. 
Nayagarh Launches Zero Fatality Drive for Road Safety


The event concluded on a powerfully symbolic note. Following the meeting, the newly inaugurated Zero Fatality Awareness Chariot embarked on its maiden journey, beginning its two-week tour of the district. In a parallel demonstration of commitment, all participants mounted two-wheelers, donned helmets correctly, and conducted a road safety parade through the town. This visual spectacle served as a practical reminder of the campaign's core message: safety is a shared responsibility, and it starts with simple, consistent actions like wearing a helmet.