Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has partnered with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) to improve the management and maintenance of modern truck terminals being developed across the state, with a focus on reducing road accidents caused by unsafe parking on highways.
An Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the state’s Commerce & Transport Department and IOCL, entrusting the public sector energy company with the day-to-day management, operational efficiency and maintenance of the dedicated truck terminals being developed along Odisha’s national highways.
Odisha Plans 30 Modern Truck Terminals
The Commerce & Transport Department is developing 30 modern truck terminals across various districts in the first phase of the initiative.
Of these, 15 terminals have already been completed.
The terminals are being designed as comprehensive rest and service facilities rather than basic parking areas. They will provide truck drivers with safer locations to park, rest and access essential services during long-distance journeys.
Key facilities planned at the terminals include:
- Dedicated and secure parking spaces
- Driver rest areas
- Canteens
- Clean drinking water
- Vehicle repair garages
- Electric vehicle charging stations
- Other essential public amenities
Initiative Targets Highway Parking-Related Accidents
The initiative addresses a major road safety concern in Odisha, where more than 300 people reportedly lose their lives every year in road crashes involving vehicles parked unsafely on roads.
Long-haul truck drivers often park their vehicles on highway shoulders because of the lack of dedicated resting facilities. Drivers may use these roadside locations for:
- Cooking
- Resting
- Sleeping
- Carrying out other routine activities
Such parking can create dangerous bottlenecks and increase the risk of collisions involving heavy vehicles and other road users.
IOCL to Manage and Maintain Truck Terminals
Under the new MoU, IOCL will use its operational expertise to ensure the efficient functioning and maintenance of the truck terminals.
The company will be responsible for:
- Day-to-day management of the facilities
- Maintaining operational efficiency
- Ensuring proper upkeep of the terminals
- Supporting a safe and clean environment for truck drivers
The Odisha Government also plans to encourage drivers who currently park at hazardous roadside locations to use the newly developed dedicated terminals.
MoU Signed by Odisha Transport Department and IOCL
The agreement was formally signed by Deeptiranjan Patra, Additional Transport Commissioner (Road Safety), on behalf of the Commerce & Transport Department, and Chiranjib Poddar, IOCL State Retail Head, on behalf of IOCL.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials, including:
- N. B. S. Rajput, Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department
- Amitabh Thakur, Transport Commissioner
- Kamal Seal, IOCL State Head
- Sachindra Guni, IOCL DGM
Truck Terminals to Improve Driver Safety and Comfort
The dedicated facilities are expected to improve working and resting conditions for long-distance truck drivers travelling through Odisha.
By providing secure parking and essential amenities away from highway shoulders, the initiative aims to encourage heavy vehicle operators to move away from unsafe roadside parking practices.
The government expects the programme to contribute to a reduction in accidents and fatalities associated with illegal and unsafe parking, while improving the overall quality of highway infrastructure.
Focus on Safer and Better-Managed Highways
The partnership between Odisha Government and IOCL combines the state’s infrastructure development efforts with IOCL’s operational and facility-management expertise.
Once the terminals become fully operational, they are expected to provide long-haul drivers with safer places to stop while helping keep national highways clear of improperly parked heavy vehicles.
The initiative is therefore aimed at improving road safety, highway management and driver welfare across Odisha.
About IOCL
Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) is one of India’s leading public sector energy companies, engaged in refining, fuel marketing, petroleum products, pipelines and other energy-related businesses. The company operates a large network of fuel and energy infrastructure across the country.
Read also: Indian Oil Awards ₹18.51 Crore Work Order to Expo Engineering for Crude Oil Tank Maintenance
