In a significant move to curb road accidents and improve traffic management, the Odisha government has established a dedicated Traffic and Road Safety Wing (T&RSW), appointing four senior IPS officers to lead the new initiative.
According to a government order, the state has sanctioned the creation of four temporary ex-cadre IPS posts – one Additional Director General (ADG), one Deputy Inspector General (DIG), and two Superintendents of Police (SP), under Rule 4(2) of the IPS (Cadre) Rules, 1954. These positions have been created for an initial period of two years.
The T&RSW will be headquartered in Bhubaneswar and will comprise 66 staff members at its central office. Additionally, 1,930 personnel will be deployed across various districts to provide wide coverage and support on-ground implementation of road safety and traffic initiatives.
Formed in response to rising road fatalities in the state, the wing has been entrusted with a broad mandate. Its core responsibilities include developing advanced traffic and road safety systems, enforcing traffic laws, improving emergency response, and implementing comprehensive safety strategies.
“The wing will adopt a data-driven and technology-oriented approach, ensuring compliance with traffic regulations, efficient management of resources, and active collaboration with NGOs and the public,” a senior police official said.
In addition to its strategic and administrative duties, the T&RSW will directly oversee highway patrolling, urban police traffic operations, the Traffic Training Institute in Bhubaneswar, and the state’s emergency response and support systems.
“This initiative marks a structured and focused shift in Odisha’s approach to traffic and road safety. It reflects our commitment to making roads safer and tackling urban mobility challenges with modern tools and systematic planning,” the official added.
