Odisha government is doing something really important for passenger safety. They have started a new program called the “Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Surakhya Yojana.” This program is led by Smt. Usha Padhee, who is the Principal Secretary of Commerce and Transport.
“Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Surakhya Yojana” is named after the youngest martyr of Odisha. The main goal of this initiative is to make sure that all inland water transport vessels are equipped with life-saving appliances. This means that boats and other water vehicles will have the necessary safety equipment to keep passengers safe.
By launching this program, the Odisha government shows that they care about the safety of everyone traveling by water. It is a great step towards improving safety measures for all passengers.
What is Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Surakhya Yojana ?
Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Surakhya Yojana is a safety-driven initiative launched on December 17–18, 2024 by the Odisha government’s Commerce & Transport Department, led by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee. Named in honor of Baji Rout (1926–1938), the youngest martyr from Odisha who was killed after refusing to ferry police on the Brahmani River at age 12, the scheme aims to make inland water transport safer for all passengers.
Objective of the Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Surakhya Yojana
To ensure passenger safety on inland waterways in Odisha by providing life-saving equipment to all boats and launches.
- Unsafe navigation practices pose serious risks to passengers and boat operators.
- To address this, the Odisha State Government launched the Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Suraksha Yojana.
- The scheme provides life-saving equipment (like life jackets, lifebuoys, fire extinguishers) to all passenger boats and launches.
- Equipment is provided:
- At 95% subsidy for private boat/launch owners.
- Free of cost for boats operated by the Government of Odisha and its PSUs.
- This initiative also helps with the registration/renewal of boats by ensuring they meet safety norms.
- Enhances safety awareness among passengers, boat operators, and stakeholders.
- Reduces risk of accidents and fatalities on rivers and waterways.
- Supports sustainable and secure inland water transport.
- Honors the legacy of Sahid Baji Rout, Odisha’s youngest martyr, by linking his name to public welfare and safety.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Life-saving equipment: The scheme mandates the provision of lifebuoys, life jackets, and fire extinguishers on all registered inland water transport vessels.
- Subsidies for private operators: Recognizing the financial constraints of private boat operators, the government is offering a generous 95% subsidy on the cost of the required safety equipment. This incentive encourages private operators to comply with safety regulations without incurring substantial financial burdens.
- Free equipment for government vessels: Government-owned and PSU-operated vessels will receive the necessary safety equipment free of charge.
- Phased implementation: To ensure smooth and effective implementation, the distribution of life-saving appliances will be carried out in phases. The first phase has already been successfully completed, and the second phase is currently underway.
Eligibility Criteria
The boats/ launches plying in the inland waterways in the State owned by Government of Odisha & its PSUs and private persons are eligible to avail the benefit under Sahid Baji Rout Noujatra Suraksha Yojana.
Norms and Equipment
- Lifebuoy:1 (One) no. for 5 passengers subject to minimum of 2 nos. to a boat
- Life Jacket:1 (One) no. for each passenger & crews (as per capacity of boat)
- Fire Extinguisher: 1 (One) no. for each mechanized boat/launch
Implementation and Awareness
The Director of Ports and Inland Water Transport, under the Commerce & Transport (Commerce) Department, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the scheme. To raise awareness and ensure effective implementation, the department recently conducted a virtual meeting with district collectors. This initiative highlights the government’s proactive approach in sensitizing key stakeholders about the scheme’s importance and guidelines.