Bhubaneswar: BJD's Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Sasmit Patra met Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Nitin Gadkari, and submitted a detailed representation seeking urgent intervention for strengthening road safety infrastructure along the Khandagiri-Palasuni stretch of NH-16 in Bhubaneswar. 

During the meeting, Dr. Patra highlighted the alarming rise in fatal road accidents, traffic hazards, and recurring public safety incidents on this crucial urban highway corridor, which serves as a major transit route connecting Odisha with neighbouring states.

Dr. Patra specifically brought to the Minister’s attention a series of tragic accidents and repeated loss of innocent lives reported on the stretch over the past year. These included deaths caused by speeding heavy vehicles, reckless driving, hit-and-run incidents, pedestrian fatalities, and dangerous street racing. He noted that several such incidents near Khandagiri, Patrapada, Aiginia, Rasulgarh, and Palasuni have created widespread public concern among commuters, residents, students, and office-goers.

In his representation, Dr. Patra emphasised that the recurring accidents indicate serious gaps in traffic enforcement, surveillance systems, pedestrian safety infrastructure, and highway management. He urged the Ministry to initiate immediate corrective and preventive measures to avoid further tragedies.

The memorandum submitted to the Union Minister proposed several key interventions, including:

* Installation of AI-enabled speed detection cameras and automatic challan systems.
* Deployment of comprehensive CCTV surveillance across the corridor.
* Introduction of average-speed monitoring systems for heavy vehicles.
* Construction of pedestrian foot overbridges and safe crossing systems at accident-prone locations.
* Creation of emergency response lanes and dedicated highway patrol units.
* Installation of improved signage, reflective lane markings, rumble strips, and crash barriers.
* Immediate road safety audit of the Khandagiri–Palasuni stretch.
* Implementation of Intelligent Traffic Management Systems (ITMS) integrated with real-time monitoring.
* Enhanced street lighting and illumination on vulnerable stretches and flyovers.

Speaking after the meeting, Dr. Patra stated: “The repeated loss of innocent lives on the Khandagiri–Palasuni stretch of NH-16 is deeply distressing and demands urgent intervention. Citizens deserve safer roads, stronger monitoring systems, and modern traffic management infrastructure. Immediate action is essential to prevent further loss of lives.”

Dr. Patra urged the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, NHAI, and concerned authorities to treat the issue with utmost priority in the larger interest of public safety and urban mobility.

The Union Minister assured that the concerns raised would be examined seriously and appropriate action would be considered in coordination with the relevant agencies