THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAYAGADA, FEBRUARY 7, 2026

Utkal Alumina International Ltd. (UAIL), a subsidiary of Hindalco Industries under the Aditya Birla Group, organised Sarathi Utsav at its Doraguda unit in Rayagada district with the twin objectives of honouring heavy vehicle drivers and spreading awareness on road transport rules and safety. The initiative underscored the company’s commitment to recognising the pivotal role played by drivers in sustaining industrial and economic activity while promoting safer roads.

The programme was graced by Rayagada Regional Transport Officer Binay Kumar Pal as the chief guest. He was joined on the dais by Doraguda Police Station Sub-Inspector Swaroop Pradhan, UAIL Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra and FH Logistics representative Sameer Padhi, in the presence of senior company officials and logistics partners.

Addressing the gathering, RTO Binay Kumar Pal described heavy vehicle drivers as the backbone of the nation’s economy, stating that the momentum of economic activities depends largely on their tireless service. Stressing that driver safety and social welfare are shared responsibilities, he expressed concern over the rising incidence of road accidents and urged strict adherence to traffic rules. He also commended Utkal Alumina for taking proactive steps to recognise drivers and create awareness on road safety.

Doraguda PS Sub-Inspector Swaroop Pradhan, in his address, revealed that 18 road accidents were reported within the Doraguda police station limits in the previous year, leading to several fatalities. He highlighted drunken driving as one of the major contributing factors and appealed to drivers to exercise caution and responsibility on the roads.

Drawing a symbolic parallel from the Mahabharata, UAIL Unit Head Rabi Narayan Mishra likened the role of drivers to that of Lord Krishna as a Sarathi, guiding and sustaining the journey. He emphasised that by transporting raw materials and finished goods, drivers form the backbone of industrial operations and play a crucial role in national prosperity. He reiterated that driver safety must always remain a top priority and called for uncompromising compliance with traffic regulations.

FH Logistics representative Sameer Padhi also addressed the drivers, advising them to avoid overspeeding, strictly refrain from driving under the influence of alcohol and ensure the use of seat belts at all times.

As part of the awareness campaign, a traditional play was staged to creatively convey road safety messages, while audio-visual presentations were screened to educate drivers on safe and responsible driving practices. The programme witnessed the participation of department heads Lopamudra Mishra, Mirinmay Mandal, Biswajit Jowardar, Pitambar Behera, Dr Ranjan Lenka and others.

More than 300 drivers associated with UAIL’s contractor agencies attended the event, along with over 200 officials and employees from the company’s logistics department. The enthusiastic participation and strong messages on safety and recognition made Sarathi Utsav a meaningful and successful initiative.