Bhubaneswar: In the wake of frequent accidents involving stray cattle on highways, road safety experts have raised alarm over the absence of sustained measures to keep animals off the carriageways. According to transport department sources, in the past three years at least 1,800 people and 260 animals have been killed in collisions across Odisha.“Last Sept, the transport department convened a meeting with stakeholders, including NHAI, public works, housing and urban development and the fisheries and animal resources development departments, to prepare an action plan for cattle‑free highways. But no tangible results have followed,” road safety campaigner Prabhat Muduli said, adding that “the lack of accountability has cost precious lives.”Another expert, Prakash Mohapatra, said, “Occasionally, authorities tie reflective stickers and bands on cattle horns that glow at night when the headlights are on them. But not all cattle are covered and the measure remains piecemeal.”Transport officials maintained that eviction of cattle from roads is primarily the responsibility of road‑owning agencies and local civic bodies. “They should regularly patrol vulnerable stretches, especially near villages where cattle stray onto highways. Regional transport offices have been sensitising villagers along national highways to refrain from letting their cattle wander,” a senior transport officer said.NHAI officials said several animal‑vehicle crash hotspots (AVCHs) were identified last year and steps are being taken to keep those stretches free of stray animals. “We are exploring the feasibility of installing guard rails, cattle grids and warning signage. But enforcement and community cooperation are equally critical,” an NHAI officer said.He pointed out that the menace worsens during the monsoon season when soggy fields drive cattle to seek dry resting spots on roads. “We need designated shelters and stricter penalties for negligence,” the officer said.Transport officials said the govt is focusing on establishing adequate cattle shelters near AVCHs. “Currently, there are 95 registered gaushalas (cow shelters) in the state, with plans to establish 37 more. In areas lacking gaushalas, temporary shelters will be constructed by urban local bodies with financial support from NHAI and the animal resources department,” another official said, adding that a multi‑pronged approach is essential.“Engineering solutions, awareness campaigns and enforcement must go hand-in-hand. Without coordination, the problem will persist,” he stated.