Over 43,000 killed in road accidents in Odisha since 2008

More than 43,000 people have died in road accidents in Odisha from 2008 till September this year, the Odisha Assembly was informed Friday.

This was disclosed by Commerce and Transport Minister N C Sahoo in the Assembly while replying a question of BJP MLA Dilip Kumar Ray. Sahoo said at least 43,312 people have died from 2008 till September 2018.

The minister said there has been a steady rise in the number of deaths since 2014.

While 3931 people died in 2008, it increased to 4303 in 2015, 4463 in 2016, 4790 in 2017 and 3817 till September of 2018, he said. Sahu said the personnel of Transport department's flying squad have collected Rs 486 crore as a penalty on violation of provisions under motor vehicle act.

They have also cancelled the driving license of about 82,000 people in charge of faulty driving, the minister said.

(With inputs from agencies.)