In a significant move to improve public safety, the Odisha government has officially formed a new department called the Traffic and Road Safety Wing (T&RSW). This dedicated wing will work under the direct command of the Director General of Police (DGP), Odisha, ensuring tighter control over traffic issues and road safety initiatives across the state.
What Is the Traffic & Road Safety Wing (T&RSW)?
The T&RSW is a state-level body created to handle traffic-related issues more efficiently. It aims to:
- Improve traffic management
- Reduce road accidents
- Ensure better enforcement of traffic laws
- Plan and implement awareness campaigns for road safety
This unit will not just operate from the state headquarters in Bhubaneswar but will also have personnel working at the district level, making it a well-rounded setup for tackling traffic challenges in both urban and rural areas.
Manpower and Headquarters
The new wing will be based in Bhubaneswar, and it has been allocated:
- 66 official positions at the state headquarters
- 1,930 posts across different districts
This structure will allow the wing to respond swiftly to local traffic issues while maintaining a strategic overview at the state level.
Role of the DGP
Unlike other departments that might be overseen by separate agencies or administrative bodies, the T&RSW will function directly under the supervision of the DGP, giving it a stronger command structure and allowing for faster decision-making.
Additional Boost to Cybersecurity
Along with traffic reforms, the state government has also announced the creation of 20 new cyber police stations throughout Odisha. These will:
- Strengthen cybersecurity enforcement
- Handle online frauds, data breaches, and cybercrime investigations
- Protect citizens against increasing digital threats
This reflects Odisha’s growing focus on both physical safety (on roads) and digital safety (online).
Odisha has seen rising challenges in both road safety and cybercrime. With traffic congestion, rising vehicle numbers, and frequent road mishaps, a focused wing like T&RSW is essential. Meanwhile, the growth of the digital economy and increasing internet usage have led to more cyber threats, making specialized police stations crucial.
This dual announcement signals a modern, responsive governance model — one that’s adapting to both traditional and emerging challenges to keep citizens safe.
