By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR:Safe journey and Reiterating its commitment to safe roads, Odisha has taken a decisive step to address the problem of cattle roaming on highways and roadsides.
A high-level meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Smt. Usha Padhi, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Transport Department, to prepare a coordinated action plan to enhance road safety in the state, keeping in mind the safety of both humans and animals. Cattle roaming on the roads has become a matter of concern for road safety, leading to accidents and deaths.
According to the meeting minutes, road accident data in Odisha shows that in 2022, 952 accidents and 521 deaths were reported; in 2023, 1,168 accidents and 643 deaths; and in 2024, 903 accidents and 437 deaths were due to cattle roaming on the roads. In addition, 331 animals died due to vehicle collisions from 2022 to 2025 (August). These statistics indicate the urgent need for coordinated action.
The meeting focused on a mission-mode strategy to connect the identified stretches of National Highways with the nearby towns, thereby ensuring cow control and shelter through existing and new cowsheds. The discussions focused on identifying accident-prone areas on the highways due to the presence of stray cattle, strengthening existing cowsheds and forging service-oriented partnerships with NGOs with the help of the Fisheries and Livestock Development Department. It was also decided to fence and regulate animal crossings to increase public awareness and responsibility.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Padhi emphasized that stray cattle on the roads is not just a problem but a threat to life, and Odisha is committed to a technology-enabled approach that will ensure safety for commuters and respect for animals. This initiative is for the first time an integrated model that includes fencing for animals, provision of easy road crossings, enforcement through seizure and fines, healthcare support through mobile veterinary units, awareness raising for roadside people and making the roads of Odisha safe for all. The meeting was attended by Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur, Municipal Director Shri Arindam Dakua, Shri Vijay Amrit Kulange, Director, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, National Highways and officers of Odisha Police.
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