Bhubaneswar, May 7 (BNP): In a major step towards improving road safety and streamlining transport infrastructure, the Odisha government is set to make 23 truck terminals operational across the state by the end of May. The initiative aims to reduce road accidents caused by unauthorised roadside parking of heavy vehicles along highways.

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena on Wednesday said that nearly all construction work related to the truck terminals has been completed, except for the facility at Girisola in Ganjam district, where work is still in progress.

Highlighting the growing concern over highway safety, the minister stated that indiscriminate roadside parking of trucks and heavy vehicles at non-designated locations has become one of the major causes of accidents across the state.

“Vehicles parked unauthorisedly along roadsides are among the leading reasons behind road mishaps. Keeping this in mind, the government initiated the development of truck terminals at strategic locations throughout Odisha,” Jena said.

According to the minister, the terminals have been developed near major national highways and are designed to provide essential facilities for truck drivers and transport operators. These include designated parking areas, hotels, logistics support, rest zones, sanitation facilities and other basic amenities aimed at improving convenience and safety for transport workers.

The minister further informed that 17 truck terminals had earlier been handed over to National Highway Logistics Management Limited (NHLML) for Facility Management Services (FMS). However, due to delays in operationalising the facilities, the state government has requested cancellation of the existing tender arrangement.

“We have written to the concerned authorities seeking cancellation of the present arrangement so that another agency can be appointed and operations can commence without further delay,” he added.

Jena stated that all the truck terminals are currently in the final stage of readiness and are expected to become functional soon after management responsibilities are transferred to a new operating agency.

The initiative is expected to significantly improve highway traffic management, reduce accident risks, and strengthen Odisha’s transport and logistics infrastructure while providing better facilities for truck operators and drivers across the state.