Bhubaneswar: State govt has initiated plans to implement internet of things (IoT) technology to reduce accidents on hilly roads by incorporating various devices, including sensors, cameras, alarms and GPS trackers to provide guidance and warnings to drivers navigating sharp bends.
“IoT-based devices are under development at IIT Bhubaneswar. These systems will gather live data about road conditions, weather patterns and traffic movement in hilly areas where drivers face challenges spotting oncoming vehicles near steep turns,” state transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur told TOI.
Sources said the smart sensors will be installed at critical points along dangerous curves and slopes. When vehicles approach these zones, the system will trigger warning lights and audio alerts to caution drivers about upcoming sharp bends. Digital displays will show real-time alerts about weather conditions like fog, rain or landslides that could impact visibility and road safety, the sources said.
The GPS tracking component will help monitor traffic flow and vehicle speeds in accident-prone areas. Data will be analysed to identify risk patterns and implement preventive measures. Emergency response teams will also receive automated alerts about any incident requiring immediate assistance.
As per the plan, local police and transport authorities may get access to a central monitoring dashboard. It will enable them to coordinate rapid response during accidents or road emergencies. The system will also maintain records of recurring trouble spots to guide future road safety improvements.
Transport officials expect the IoT solution to significantly reduce accidents, especially during monsoon and winter when visibility is poor. Regular maintenance protocols will ensure the devices function reliably in harsh weather conditions.
Officials said that hilly areas experience frequent accidents due to challenging geography, deteriorated roads and insufficient infrastructure. They believe an IoT-based accident prevention system designed for hilly terrain would prove valuable.
“The system can identify instances of dangerous driving and speeding. The technology identifies possible dangers on the road, particularly sharp bends, and alerts drivers to reduce speed. Mountainous areas feature numerous bends and hairpin curves where visibility of approaching vehicles is limited. The new system aims to minimise driving risks in such areas,” another transport official said.
Road safety expert Chinmay Patra said there will be a monitoring system to enhance safety in ghat roads using wireless sensor networks and IoT.
The transport department intends to initially implement the system along Dwarasuni ghat on NH-49 in Mayurbhanj district, where frequent accidents concern officials.
“Mayurbhanj is one of the vulnerable districts from the point of road safety. Dwarasuni ghat is a hazardous spot in Mayurbhanj where accidents occur every month. The NHAI has been asked to repair the road wherever necessary,” said a district official.
A recent assessment by the Mayurbhanj regional transport office identified potholes, damaged crash barriers, insufficient signage and reflective tapes along Dwarasuni ghat. The crucial district road suffers from poor maintenance.