The Transport and Commerce Department in Odisha on Friday felicitated 6 people from across the State for their significant contribution in saving precious lives in the first hour of road accident.

Among those where feted include, Bapi Mohanty from Talcher- Angul industrial belt. He saved the lives of more than 100 road accident victims in the last 15 years. He also is known for helping in the moment of blood requirements for accident victims regularly.

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State Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu, who graced on the occasion said, “Odisha is known for disaster management throughout the world. Similarly, we should aim to reduce road accidents and fatalities related to it. Every life is precious. Road safety is a high priority area for our Government.”

 “Prevention is better than cure. We all understand that more work and efforts are needed in the field of road safety. We have to have a synergy in the mission of saving lives”, said Usha Padhee, Secretary, Commerce and Transport.

 “Road safety week is over, not road safety movement. Making roads safe is a daily decision. So, let’s make decisions wisely & choose to be committed to make roads safer”, said transport commissioner Arun Bothra.

Barun Mahalik from the Balasore area was on his way to appear for the PG final year exam by an auto rickshaw. He saw an accident victim lying on the road unattended. Even though he was getting late for the exam, Barun immediately took the victim to the hospital and saved his life.

Abinash Panigrahy, a social activist from Berhampur, Ganjam has been helping road accident victims since 2021. He has been an active participant in all community building activities and was appreciated for his contribution during the pandemic.

The brave hearts Hari Nayak and N.Nilamadhaba Patra from hinterland of Tikabali, Kandhamal are often the first ones to reach the accident spot in Kandhamal district.

In 2019, they started a group called Team Humanity, whose members are the first responders to many road accident victims in the district.

Ranjit Kumar Swain from Pratap Nagri, Cuttack is a cancer survivor, who has dedicated his life to help accident victims. Many of the road accident survivors of NH-16 between Cuttack & Bhubaneswar are indebted to him for helping them reach hospital within the golden hour.