Bhubaneswar: In the wake of the recent fatal road accident in Mayurbhanj’s Baripada, the Odisha government has directed Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) across the state to intensify enforcement against vehicles operating without valid documents, including fitness certificates, permits, and other mandatory records.
The Transport Commissioner has instructed all RTOs to conduct regular special enforcement drives to identify and take action against vehicles violating provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
In an official order issued on Saturday, the Commissioner noted that preliminary investigations into the Baripada accident revealed that the vehicles involved were allegedly operating without valid fitness certificates, posing a serious threat to public safety and road users.
To strengthen enforcement, RTOs have been directed to utilize the VAHAN portal to identify vehicles lacking valid fitness certificates, permits, and other essential documents. Officials have also been asked to initiate prompt legal action against violators in accordance with the Motor Vehicles Act.
The measures include seizure of vehicles and suspension or cancellation of vehicle registrations wherever necessary. Authorities have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with transport regulations to prevent accidents caused by unfit or illegally operated vehicles.
The Transport Department has further directed all RTOs to submit weekly reports detailing enforcement actions and violations detected within their respective jurisdictions. These reports will be monitored regularly to assess compliance and strengthen road safety measures across the state.
The latest directive reflects the state government’s renewed focus on road safety and regulatory enforcement following concerns raised by recent accidents involving vehicles allegedly operating in violation of transport laws.
