Odisha Plans Road Safety Training Amid Rise in Gig Worker Accidents

Bhubaneswar: As ultra-fast delivery becomes the norm, the Odisha government is stepping up efforts to protect gig workers from growing road hazards. The state plans to launch dedicated road safety and emergency response training for delivery personnel working with platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, BigBasket, and JioMart.

The Commerce and Transport Department has directed the Transport Commissioner to craft a concrete action plan, following concerns raised by the Labour and ESI Department.

Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena emphasized the need for uniform enforcement of road safety rules. “Speed limits and traffic norms apply to everyone. The current delivery rush poses risks not only to riders but also the public,” he said.

Many delivery workers operate under pressure without adequate safety gear, often riding recklessly to meet tight deadlines. A senior official noted, “It’s common to see agents jumping signals or riding dangerously. We must intervene before more lives are lost.”

The Labour Department will soon roll out awareness workshops, while the Centre has advised states to review harsh delivery timelines. With over 52,000 gig workers in Odisha as of 2021, officials say the real figure is now much higher. The state’s new measures aim to prioritize safety over speed in the growing gig economy.