A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Monday by the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha and Ashok Leyland for the creation, administration, and operation of three new Institutes of Driving Training and Research (IDTR).
The new institutes would be run in the Sundargarh district’s Berhampur, Keonjhar, and Bonai.
Since 2013, a heavy motor vehicle (HMV) driving school has been operating in Jajpur’s Chhatia.
The Chhatia HMV Institute was jointly developed by the state of Odisha and Ashok Leyland with the goals of developing skilled HMV drivers to address the needs of the transportation sector and preparing local youngsters for employment.
According to a representative, the institute has so far taught 60,581 drivers.
In especially in the state’s mining belt where there is a greater need for qualified drivers, the state government has planned to establish three additional of these institutes in Berhampur, Keonjhar, and Bonai, he said.
Arun Bothra, a transport commissioner, said: “Odisha in our nation has top-notch facilities to develop qualified HMV drivers. No other state in the nation has as many IDTRs as this one.”
According to him, the new facility will aid in improving drivers’ HMV driving abilities, particularly in Odisha’s mining regions.
These IDTRs will assist reduce the number of fatalities, injuries, and property losses caused by traffic accidents in addition to meeting the needs of drivers in various industries.
In addition, a qualified and experienced driver will guarantee the prompt and secure delivery of the items, he continued.
HMV drivers will receive hands-on training on a variety of terrains and road conditions through these colleges, which also house hostels.
According to the CMVR (Central Motor Vehicle Rule), 1989, the duration of proficient driving training is 30 days. The centre will also grant driving licences to experienced drivers if the tests are passed.
The monthly capacity of Berhampur, Keonjhar, and Bonai, according to the principal of the government driving training school Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, is 140, 134, and 150 drivers, respectively.
The state government has finished building three IDTRs, and according to Mohanty, Ashok Leyland will operate and maintain the facilities.
The three new centres’ infrastructure is complete, and training is about to start.
The applicants’ driving abilities will be improved during the one-month course, and they will receive instruction in appropriate road behaviour and decorum, according to the transport official.
Prasanta Patnaik