For development, management and operation of three new Institutes of Driving Training and Research (IDTRs), the State Transport Authority (STA) signed a MoU with the Ashok Leyland on Monday.
The agreement was exchanged between Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Principal, Government Driving Training School, and SadiqHussain Syed, Divisional Manager, Driving Training, Ashok Leyland and Principal, HMV Driver Training Institute, Chhatia.
A heavy motor vehicle (HMV) driving training institute is already functioning in Jajpur’s Chhatia from 2013. The institute has trained 60,581 drivers so far.
The Government has now decided to set up three more IDTRs. Transport Commissioner Arun Bothra said, “Odisha Government is providing excellent facilities to create skilled HMV drivers. No other State has such numbers of IDTRs. The upcoming facilities will help enhance the HMV driving skills of drivers particularly in the mining areas. It will help our youths get employment within and outside the State.”
He added, “These IDTRs will not only meet the requirement of drivers in different sectors but also help in reducing the fatalities, injuries and loss of property due to road accidents. Besides, a trained and skilled driver will ensure timely and safe delivery of goods.”
Through these institutes, which also have hostels, the drivers would get practical training on different types of terrains and road conditions.