Latest news with #BibhutiBhusanJena
Time of India
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Govt directs RTOs of 6 districts to prepare plans to curb accidents
1 2 Bhubaneswar: State govt has directed the regional transport officers (RTOs) of six districts — Khurda, Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Cuttack and Ganjam — to develop comprehensive and actionable plans to curb road accidents. These districts have been identified as significant contributors to road accident fatalities in 2024. Last year, a total of 6,142 people were killed in road accidents across the state, with Sundargarh accounting for the highest number of fatalities at 521, followed by Mayurbhanj with 400, Ganjam with 392, Keonjhar with 383, Khurda with 374, and Cuttack with 339 in 2024, according to the transport department data. A comparative analysis revealed that Khurda, Keonjhar and Ganjam, which reported 390, 399 and 420 deaths, respectively, in 2023, witnessed a decline in fatalities in 2024. Conversely, Sundargarh, Mayurbhanj and Cuttack, which recorded 449, 361 and 286 deaths, respcetively, in 2023, reported an increase in fatalities during 2024. "Despite the reduction, Ganjam, Keonjhar and Khurda remained the third, fourth, and fifth highest, respectively, in terms of deaths. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 40+ Celebrity Couples When They First Got Together vs. What They Look Like Now BridesBlush Undo We are working hard on reversing the trend and ensuring safer roads for citizens. RTOs have been tasked with formulating strategies that are not only effective but also sustainable in the long run," a senior transport official said. RTOs have been instructed to collaborate with local police, civic bodies and community organisations to identify high-risk areas and implement measures such as improved road signage, stricter enforcement of traffic laws and public awareness campaigns. "Movement of heavy vehicles in mineral-rich Keonjhar district has been a cause of concern. We are glad to bring down the accident deaths from 399 in 2023 to 383 in 2024. Even though the decrease is marginal, it is a positive sign," a transport official in Keonjhar said, adding, "We are determined to bring down the number of accidents. Our focus will be on both preventive measures and swift response mechanisms to handle accidents when they occur." Transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said the govt has implemented several initiatives to reduce accidents and casualties. Police are strictly enforcing penalties against drunk driving and rash driving, which are primary causes of accidents. "Accident black spots have been identified and are being rectified. Under the Rakshak initiative, 13,000 people were trained in first aid for accident victims. Under the Junior Rakshak initiative, over 11,500 NCC volunteers were trained," Jena said. The transport department stated that they adopted a comprehensive approach, including enforcement, education, road engineering improvements and emergency care, to make roads safer. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Hans India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Transportation services hit as drivers begin strike
Bhubaneswar: Transportation services were affected severely across the State as the Odisha Driver Mahasangha, an association of truck and bus drivers, on Tuesday launched the 'cease work strike' for an indefinite period over six key demands. The strike left many passengers stranded and harassed. The Private Bus and Truck Owners' Association of Odisha has also lent support to the cease work strike by the drivers. The strike has left the passengers in a lurch as many people were seen stranded at bus stops helplessly waiting for just any vehicle to reach their destinations. The transportation of goods has also been severely affected due to the strike. 'We came from Kolkata by private bus and were supposed to return today. But we've been stuck here since morning with no clear update on whether buses will run or not. It's very confusing and troubling,' said a man from Murshidabad in West Bengal stranded at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Bhubaneswar. Echoing similar concerns, another passenger said, 'We've been sitting here for hours. Some say the buses will run, some say they won't. There is no clear communication. We're tired and helpless.' The passengers urged the Odisha government to take swift action to resolve the deadlock. The association has called the strike demanding inclusion of auto drivers in the Drivers' Welfare Board, pension for drivers above 60 years of age, restrooms and toilet facilities at regular intervals, parking slots at every 100 km and laws to ensure driver security from public threat. They have also demanded that at least 70 per cent jobs for drivers in the mining and industrial areas of the State be reserved for Odisha drivers. The drivers have also demanded that the government acknowledge their contribution to the transport sector and declare September 1 as the National Drivers' Day. Speaking about the strike call, Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Tuesday said that the State government will hold discussions with drivers' association over their demands.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Govt plans Rs 30cr Gopalpur beach revamp
1 2 3 Berhampur: State govt has decided to develop Gopalpur beach in Ganjam district at a cost of Rs 30 crore, which includes its illumination and beautification, commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said on Wednesday. The statement of Jena, who is the Gopalpur MLA, comes in the wake of the alleged gang rape of a 20-year-old college student by 10 people at the popular beach resort on Sunday. The tourism department has already sanctioned Rs 30 crore for the development of the beach, Jena said. "The plan includes illumination of the entire beach from Haripur to Baxipllai, it's beautification, and development of a yoga centre," the minister said. Lack of illumination on Gopalpur beach was an issue apparently raised by the police in the case of the recent gang rape. Opposition parties had also raised question mark about the safety of tourists, especially women, in the state. On Wednesday, Jena visited the crime scene. Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has taken the matter very seriously, the minister said, adding that the CM has already directed the police to take exemplary action against those involved in the heinous crime. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The minister praised the police for arresting all 10 accused within 24 hours of the incident. He emphasised the need for intensified patrolling on the beach by inducting another all-terrain vehicle. Presently, there is only one such vehicle at Gopalpur police station. "We hope the crime against women and children wing (CAW&CW) of the crime branch, which was entrusted with the investigation, will complete their probe in a time-bound period and ensure the survivor gets justice soon," Jena said. Meanwhile, a three-member team of the crime branch, led by Inspector General (CAW&CW) S Shyni, visited the crime scene and spoke to the local police. The team also questioned the four teenagers, suspected to be involved in the alleged rape, housed in a observation home. Police have requested the juvenile justice board to treat the juveniles as adults, sources said. The six adult accused were produced before judicial magistrate first class, rural, Berhampur, on Tuesday night. Ritika Jena, the magistrate, ordered them to remain in judicial custody for 14 days after rejecting their bail pleas, sources said.
Time of India
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Min distributes Sabitri Brata kits to 700 women
Berhampur: Commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena on Saturday distributed ceremonial gift packets to 700 married women from his Gopalpur constituency, ahead of Sabitri Brata. The gift packets, known as 'Sabitri Bhara', contained fruits, vermilion and bangles — essential items for the ritual scheduled for Monday. The distribution ceremony at Golanthara was graced by Sumeru Peethadhiswar Shankaracharya Narendranand Saraswati, while deputy chief minister Pravati Parida joined virtually. "Sabitri Brata holds special significance in Ganjam district. This initiative aims to support women from my constituency in observing the important ritual," said Jena. During the event, Saraswati recounted the legend of Sabitri, who successfully brought back her husband from Yamaraj (God of death), highlighting the spiritual strength of Indian women. He also drew parallels to Operation Sindoor, demonstrating the symbolic power of vermilion in Indian culture. Parida used the platform to address social issues, urging women to take a stand against female foeticide. "Women have consistently proven their capabilities across various fields, particularly in Odisha," she said. Chhatrapur block chairperson Sarmistha Sethi expressed gratitude for the minister's gesture.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hanuman Chalisa recital to boost morale of forces
1 2 3 Berhampur: BJP supporters under Gopalpur assembly constituency in Ganjam district on Sunday recited Hanuman Chalisa in over 70 villages to boost the morale of armed forces in the wake of Operation Sindoor against and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, who represents Gopalpur in the assembly, also participated in the programme. "By chanting Hanuman Chalisa, we prayed for the well-being and boost the morale of Indian armed forces . In most of the places, people have participated voluntarily," he programme was also held in multiple places in each of 37 panchayats and five wards of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and Gopalpur BJP supporters under Gopalpur assembly constituency in Ganjam district on Sunday recited Hanuman Chalisa in over 70 villages to boost the morale of armed forces in the wake of Operation Sindoor against and transport minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, who represents Gopalpur in the assembly, also participated in the programme. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor "By chanting Hanuman Chalisa, we prayed for the well-being and boost the morale of Indian armed forces. In most of the places, people have participated voluntarily," he programme was also held in multiple places in each of 37 panchayats and five wards of Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and Gopalpur Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Mother's Day wishes , messages , and quotes !
