IIT Madras’ RBG Labs has partnered with the Government of Odisha to implement data-driven interventions aimed at improving road safety across the state. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 23 December 2024, seeks to reduce road fatalities through strategic, evidence-based approaches and innovative tools.
The initiative, based on the ‘5E Model and Transportation Safety Framework’ developed by RBG Labs, focuses on Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Emergency Care, and Empathy. This holistic model aims to address road safety challenges by considering human factors alongside technical and infrastructural solutions.
Under the partnership, RBG Labs will support Odisha’s road safety initiatives by conducting capacity-building programmes for investigating officers and other stakeholders. These programmes will include training in scientific crash investigation techniques, such as the Root Cause Analysis Matrix (RCAM), designed to identify the underlying causes of accidents.
The initiative also incorporates a design-thinking approach, enabling officials to adopt empathy-based methods in understanding and addressing human factors contributing to road crashes. This structured framework is expected to enhance the effectiveness of safety audits, accident investigations, and policy implementation.
As part of the collaboration, a Strategic Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign will be launched to promote a culture of road safety. RBG Labs plans to engage schools across the state in activity-based learning workshops to instil responsible driving habits in students and teachers. Participants will be trained to serve as master trainers, further disseminating road safety awareness within their communities.
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Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur highlighted the role of scientific methods in empowering officers with advanced skills for conducting effective investigations and audits. He also emphasised the importance of public awareness campaigns in fostering a collective understanding of road safety.
Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena expressed optimism about the partnership, describing it as a step towards realising the vision of a safer and more developed Odisha. Principal Secretary Usha Padhee underscored the significance of leveraging technology and research to prioritise road safety across departments.
IIT Madras Director Prof. V Kamakoti stressed the urgency of addressing road safety challenges, citing the institute’s experience in implementing similar initiatives in states like Tamil Nadu, Haryana, and Rajasthan. Prof. Venkatesh Balasubramanian, Head of RBG Labs, reiterated the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in planning and executing road safety interventions.
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