Vehicle owners in Odisha will face tougher transport enforcement from February 1, as FASTag recharge will stop for vehicles lacking a valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
Authorities confirmed that vehicles with pending traffic challans, expired insurance, or missing PUCC will not be able to activate FASTag. Motorists crossing toll plazas without compliance will face heavy penalties. To reactivate FASTag, owners must clear fines and update insurance and pollution certificates.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the rule nationwide, with Odisha’s Transport Department directing the State Transport Authority (STA) to implement it.
From January 1, commercial vehicles, including taxis, vans, buses, trucks, and those with national permits, must install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD). New registrations, renewals, or ownership transfers will not proceed without these devices. Mandatory inspections will ensure compliance.
Starting April 1, physical inspections will become compulsory during fitness certification and pollution checks. Only vehicles with valid insurance and cleared challans will receive certificates and permits.
District administrations, the Transport Department, and NHAI must install speed limit signboards. However, many roads lack signage, leaving drivers unaware of limits. Despite this, fines up to Rs 2,000 are being imposed for overspeeding. Motorists criticised the enforcement, arguing that penalties are being levied without adequate infrastructure.
The new measures highlight the government’s push for safer, cleaner, and more accountable road transport across Odisha and India.
ALSO READ: Odisha Freezes as Jharsuguda Hits Season’s Lowest at 5.1°C
