Bhubaneswar: In a major road safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic fatalities, the Odisha government has decided to develop "zero-fatality corridors" and introduce the concept of “forgiving roads” across the state, following an alarming rise in deaths caused by road accidents. Hazardous roads will be redesigned as "forgiving roads" — a globally recognised engineering approach that reduces the severity of crashes by minimising roadside hazards. Authorities have already started identifying vulnerable stretches on Public Works Department (PWD) roads and National Highways for conversion into zero-fatality corridors after detailed road safety audits. Corrective measures at these locations will be implemented under the state's 2026-27 Annual Road Safety Programme. The state is exploring partnerships with technical institutions to incorporate national and international best practices in road safety planning, engineering and traffic management.