Rourkela has recorded 64 road accident deaths involving riders or pillion passengers without helmets till November 10, 2026, up from 45 in the whole of 2025, prompting police to plan stricter enforcement across the city. The increase has come alongside a rise in serious injuries linked to helmet violations and continuing concerns over triple riding and weak compliance among two-wheeler users.
Rourkela police data show that, apart from the 64 deaths recorded this year, 69 people suffered grievous injuries and 27 sustained minor injuries in accidents involving helmetless riders. In 2025, the corresponding figures were 30 grievous injuries and 24 minor injuries. In 2024, 27 people suffered grievous injuries and 18 sustained minor injuries.
The death toll in Rourkela has risen steadily from 37 in 2024 to 45 in 2025 and 64 till November 10 this year. Police sources said helmet compliance remained low despite periodic enforcement drives and penalties. Triple riding and riding without helmets continue to be reported in several parts of the city.
Rourkela traffic deputy superintendent of police Sudarsan Panda said enforcement drives would be intensified in the coming days. The planned checks are expected to focus on violations that increase the risk of serious injury for two-wheeler riders and passengers, although the police did not disclose a specific enforcement schedule or target.
The wider Sundargarh district has also recorded a substantial number of road deaths, although its total has declined compared with the previous two years. Police data till September 30 showed 70 deaths in 2026, compared with 88 in 2025 and 108 in 2024.
Of the 70 people killed in Sundargarh this year, 52 were riders and 18 were pillion passengers. The district also recorded 65 grievous injuries and 23 minor injuries during the period. In 2025, the deaths comprised 62 riders and 26 pillion passengers, while 53 people suffered grievous injuries and 27 sustained minor injuries. In 2024, 72 riders and 36 pillion passengers were killed, with 66 grievous and 20 minor injuries recorded.
Sundargarh superintendent of police Amritpal Kaur said regular motor vehicle enforcement drives, including checks against drunk driving, were being conducted across the district. Two highway patrolling teams have been deployed along State Highway-10, particularly at accident-prone locations, she said.
Five police stations—Birmitrapur, Rajgangpur, Bargaon, Sadar and Hemgir—have been identified as highly accident-prone. Kaur said GPS-enabled vehicles had been deployed in two shifts to help prevent accidents and improve road safety.
Residents said enforcement would have limited impact unless riders also recognised the importance of helmet use. S K Senapati, a senior citizen from Chhend, said riders should wear helmets for their own safety and called for stricter action against violators.
An earlier ‘No Helmet, No Petrol’ campaign at fuel stations has also largely faded, with petrol pumps now routinely serving riders without helmets. Police enforcement drives and patrol arrangements are expected to be intensified in the coming days.
