Odisha is taking action against vehicles that do not have proper documents.

Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, has recently taken a major step towards ensuring road safety. The transport department has issued a directive to all enforcement officials to take strict action against vehicles that are operating without valid fitness certificates and other mandatory documents. This decision was made after it was found that only a small number of vehicles were being seized despite a high number of challans being issued.

State Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, in a letter addressed to all regional transport officers, traffic inspectors, and other enforcement officers, expressed his dissatisfaction with the low number of vehicle seizures. He emphasized the importance of impounding vehicles that do not possess valid fitness certificates, registration certificates, insurance, permits, or other mandatory documents. Thakur stated that simply issuing a challan is not enough and that consequential action must be taken to ensure road safety.

He further went on to say that a vehicle without a valid registration certificate, fitness certificate, permit or other mandatory documents should not be allowed to continue its journey. Merely paying the fine or getting issued a challan may address past liability, but it does not legalize or permit the continuation of an ongoing statutory violation. Thakur stressed that once an offence is detected, the offending vehicle must be seized and can only be released after the fine is paid and valid documents are obtained.

The transport commissioner also mentioned that the practice of only issuing a challan without taking further action is highly unsatisfactory and defeats the very purpose of road safety enforcement. He urged all enforcement officials to take their responsibilities seriously and work towards creating a safer environment for all road users in Odisha. This decision by the Odisha transport department is a step in the right direction towards ensuring the welfare of its citizens.

It is essential for every vehicle to comply with all statutory requirements to ensure the safety of all individuals on the road. Let us all work together towards creating a safer and more responsible driving culture in Odisha.