In a move aimed at reducing the backlog of unpaid traffic violations and promoting voluntary compliance, the Government of Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Department has announced a special One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for pending e-challans.
This initiative aligns with the National Lok Adalat 2026 calendar set by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). It offers motorists a golden opportunity to settle outstanding fines at reduced rates, potentially avoiding court proceedings and further penalties.
The scheme comes amid a surge in traffic challans generated by the Transport Department, including those from the Integrated Enforcement Management System (IEMS). Many of these remain unpaid, with some leading to Prosecution Reports (PRs) filed in courts, while others are still pending submission. Building on previous OTS notifications from 2025, this new order extends relief to all eligible pending challans, regardless of the offence date, as long as the amount is unpaid at the time of settlement.
Key highlights of the scheme include reduced compounding amounts for a wide range of offences under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. For instance, general offences under Section 177 can be settled at 50% of the prescribed penalty, while speeding violations for light motor vehicles (Section 183(i)) are capped at Rs. 1,000. More serious infractions, such as driving without registration (Section 192) or without a valid driving license (Section 181), can be compounded for Rs. 2,000 and Rs. 2,500, respectively. Overloading vehicles (Section 194(1)) attracts a settlement of Rs. 10,000 plus Rs. 1,000 per tonne of excess load. A full list of eligible offences and their reduced amounts is outlined in Annexure 1 of the notification.
The disposal process is designed for efficiency and convenience. Eligible challans will be addressed during National Lok Adalat sittings or related camps, with the violator’s consent. Payments can be made at designated compounding counters or help desks at Lok Adalat venues, or online via the official e-challan portal (echallan.parivahan.gov.in). Upon successful payment, no new PRs will be filed, and any existing ones will be withdrawn, effectively closing the case.
The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of vehicle owners across Odisha, easing the burden on courts and reducing administrative delays.
Motorists are advised to check their pending challans on the e-challan portal and participate in the upcoming Lok Adalat sessions to avail of this limited-time offer. For more details, refer to the official notification or contact local transport offices.
