Bhubaneswar: In a bid to reduce the number of accidents involving stray cattle on national highways, the state govt, in collaboration with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), has planned to establish cattle shelters along crucial corridors across the state.Fisheries and animal resources development minister Gokulananda Mallik on Saturday said kine houses would be developed every 100 metres on identified highway stretches, with the state govt taking the responsibility for their management while local superintendents of police would monitor operations.The initiative comes amid growing concerns over cattle freely roaming on busy highways, particularly during night hours, posing a serious threat to motorists. Several fatal crashes involving two-wheelers, cars and heavy vehicles have been reported from NH-16 and other major corridors in recent years.Officials said the shelters are expected to house stray and abandoned cattle picked up from highways and adjoining areas. “The state govt will manage the shelters and make arrangements for their maintenance. Local police will oversee enforcement and ensure cattle are removed from vulnerable highways,” Mallick said while announcing the plan.Commuters expressed hope that the move would make travel safer. “Driving on NH-16 at night is risky because cattle suddenly appear on the road. Even if you are alert, there is little time to react at high speed. If the govt can keep cattle away from highways, it will save many lives,” said Rakesh Sahoo, a commuter.Veterinarian Prabhat Kumar Das said the initiative could deliver dual benefits. “Besides preventing accidents, the shelters can improve animal welfare by providing them with food, medical care and protection. The challenge will be sustaining the facilities and ensuring adequate staffing and resources,” he said.Road safety experts welcomed the proposal but cautioned that infrastructure alone would not solve the problem unless supported by strict enforcement and awareness among people. “Stray cattle on high-speed corridors have become a major safety hazard in Odisha. Dedicated shelters can help, but authorities must also identify owners of abandoned animals and impose penalties where required. Regular monitoring will be crucial to make sure that these initiatives taste success. We have seen failures in the past, and we should take lessons from it,” road safety activist P V Raman said.
