In a firm response to the tragic Titlagarh accident that claimed several lives, Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena has ordered zero tolerance for the dangerous and illegal practice of carrying passengers in goods vehicles.
The minister directed immediate and strict enforcement across the state, warning that violators will face severe action to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
The accident involving a pickup van (registration OD-03Q-4284) exposed multiple serious violations: the vehicle had no fitness certificate, no valid insurance, and a history of repeated challans for rule-breaking. Authorities have already cancelled its registration and initiated steps to scrap the vehicle permanently under the Motor Vehicles Act.
“Such reckless practices endanger the lives of common people,” Minister Jena said, expressing deep sorrow over the incident. He has instructed all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to launch a special statewide enforcement drive that will continue until May 8. Teams have been formed to conduct intensive checks on goods vehicles, with a clear message: no passengers will be allowed in trucks, vans, or any commercial cargo carriers.
Additional Transport Commissioner (Road Safety) Diptiranjan Patra briefed the media and appealed to transporters and drivers: “Following traffic rules is mandatory. Carrying passengers in goods vehicles is completely illegal. We urge everyone to stop this practice immediately and avoid strict legal consequences.”
The drive aims to make Odisha’s roads safer by cracking down on a long-standing hazard that has caused numerous accidents. Officials say the focus will remain sharp until full compliance is achieved.
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