Odisha launches action plan to combat stray cattle on highways and improve road safety

Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to bolster road safety and protect both human and animal lives, Odisha has launched an integrated action plan to address the persistent issue of stray cattle on highways and roads.This initiative, spearheaded by the commerce and transport department under the leadership of principal secretary Usha Padhee, aims to mitigate the risks posed by animal-vehicle collisions, which are a major contributor to road accidents and fatalities.Recent data underscores the gravity of the situation, with 952 accidents and 521 deaths reported in 2022, escalating to 1,168 accidents and 643 deaths in 2023, and 903 accidents and 437 deaths in 2024, many of them linked to animal-vehicle collisions.Also, 331 animals lost their lives in such incidents from 2022 to Aug 2025. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety, officials said.The high-level meeting convened on Thursday focused on a mission-mode strategy that involves collaboration between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and urban local bodies (ULBs).The plan includes implementation of fencing, cattle-control measures, and the establishment of shelters through existing and new goshalas. The initiative also seeks to identify accident-prone stretches along highways, strengthen existing goshalas, and foster partnerships with NGOs.Key measures discussed include installation of fencing along selected road stretches, establishment of controlled cattle crossing systems, and deployment of mission branding and information systems to raise public awareness and accountability.Principal secretary Usha Padhee emphasised the dual nature of the issue, stating, “Stray cattle on roads are not only a civic issue but also a life-threatening hazard. Odisha is committed to a co-ordinated, humane, and technology-enabled approach that ensures safety for commuters and dignity for animals.”This pioneering initiative represents a first-of-its-kind integrated model, combining engineering solutions such as fencing, signage, and cattle grids, enforcement through impounding and penalties, healthcare support via mobile veterinary units, and institutional mechanisms.