Odisha Transport Authority has intensified its crackdown on road safety violations across the state following directives from Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.
The department aims to reduce road accidents and ensure safety for all road users through stricter enforcement.
Officials decided to seize vehicles violating fitness, registration, permit, or insurance norms instead of merely imposing fines. The authority issued a circular to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Additional RTOs, and Enforcement Officers, directing them to act under the Motor Vehicles Act.
A review of enforcement activities between April 1 and June 30, 2026, revealed that while 1,64,882 challans were issued under Section 192, only 428 vehicles were seized under Section 207. The authority noted that releasing unfit vehicles after fines failed to achieve road safety goals, as many returned to roads without proper repairs, causing fatal accidents.
Officials instructed enforcement teams to record reasons for either seizing or releasing vehicles to maintain transparency. Coordination with police and integration with VAHAN and e-Challan dashboards will strengthen monitoring.
