Bhubaneswar: For the first time, thirty drivers from Odisha have secured lucrative jobs in Japan.

These drivers have been trained at Odisha government’s Heavy Vehicle Training Centre in Jajpur district, said the Commerce and Transport Department today.

The drivers will get handsome salaries and benefits in Japan. Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena today felicitated the drivers, added the department.

“Odisha is the first state in the country to facilitate such overseas jobs for drivers. Good behaviour, zero casualty and safety must are the motto of these successful drivers,” said the Minister.

Earlier, the Commerce and Transport Department was facilitating jobs for drivers from Odisha in prestigious companies across the country. Now, the department has gone a step ahead by facilitating overseas jobs for drivers from the state, said the department.

A delegation from Japan and Navis HR conducted a recruitment drive for drivers in Odisha. At least 180 drivers from the state government’s Heavy Vehicle Training Centre took part in the drive and 30 among them got selected for jobs in Japan.

Before heading to Japan, these drivers will undergo training on Japanese language, culture, and regulations at Bengaluru, added the department.