Berhampur/Bhubaneswar: The state government has planned to expand the driving training centres for improving road safety, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said while addressing an event organised by Institute of Driving Training and Research, Palur, Berhampur to mark its first anniversary, Sunday. Jena emphasised the department’s commitment to curb road accidents and highlighted the crucial role played by SuVahak training programmes in ensuring safe driving. “I congratulate the staff as well as trainees on the institute’s first anniversary. I appreciate you all for your endeavours,” he said. He advised the institute officials to increase the programme’s outreach to involve more drivers in the training process. Jena said that so far 5,000 new drivers and over 22,000 existing drivers have completed the refresher course from four training centres at Chhatia in Jajpur, Bonai in Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Palur. “Not only men but also women have shown great interest in the training. Many trainees have secured jobs with prestigious companies across the country and abroad, with 30 skilled drivers being selected for employment in Japan, he said.
Notably, thirty-day training is provided to the trainee drivers with free accommodation and food. After successful completion, trainees receive a driving license and they become eligible for a monthly stipend of Rs 3,000. The centre provides modern training facilities, including daily yoga and exercise sessions to ensure trainees’ physical and mental well-being. A library is also available. “The Palur facility spans 20 acres and includes an administration block, air-conditioned classrooms, model rooms, and an AC canteen. The hostel offers 14 dormitories with a capacity for 140 trainees at a time. The institute can train 1,200 heavy vehicle drivers and refresh 4,000 drivers annually,” an official said. “A two-kilometre-long driving track with road signs is available for practical training. So far, 823 heavy vehicle drivers have been trained at the centre, with around 166 securing jobs in various government and private organisations,” he further said. “The Transport department covers all costs except for the machinery and trainer facilities, which are provided by Ashok Leyland. The programme also includes a monthly three-day refresher course for licensed drivers to enhance their skills,” he added. In the event, the minister planted a tree as a memento.
A cultural programme was also organised on the occasion. The event was attended by Additional Transport Commissioner Dipti Ranjan Patra, Joint Transport Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Bikas Chaudhary, Transport Department Officer Bhramar Mahapatra, Ganjam RTO, and officials from Ashok Leyland
ARINDAM GANGULY, OP