Bhubaneswar: In a transformative move towards enhancing road safety, the State Transport
Authority (STA) has partnered with IIT Madras to implement innovative Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategies and road safety measures aimed at improving road safety across the State. This significant initiative was formalized through the
signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in the presence of transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan
Jena.
The collaboration represents a major milestone in the State’s journey towards realizing the vision of a Viksit Odisha by fostering safer, smarter, and more sustainable
transportation systems.
Leveraging IIT Madras’ expertise in road safety technology and communication, STA aims to develop impactful IEC campaigns that empower citizens to adopt safe road practices and behaviors. This partnership will focus on implementing the 4E Model of road safety—Engineering (Road and Vehicle Design), Enforcement, Emergency
Care, Education, with Empathy (Human Factors)—to address safety comprehensively and effectively.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Jena emphasized the significance of the collaboration, stating that the partnership with IIT Madras marks a crucial step in
government’s mission to make Odisha’s roads safer. By blending cutting-edge research with practical, community-driven IEC strategies, we are making significant strides toward achieving the vision of a Viksit Odisha—a State where safety and innovation coexist for the
benefit of every citizen, said the minister.
Principal secretary, commerce and transport department Usha Padhee said that such collaborative effort underscores the government of Odisha’s unwavering
commitment to improving road safety, fostering innovation, and building a sustainable, safer
urban mobility system.
Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur, gave
introductory remarks.
Prof. Venkatesh Balsubramaniyan of IIT, Madras also spoke on the occasion.
