Kataka: The Odisha Transport Department has decided to take stringent action against commercial vehicles repeatedly operating without a valid Fitness Certificate (FC). Instead of limiting enforcement to issuing e-challans, authorities have now been directed to seize such vehicles, suspend or cancel their Registration Certificates (RC), and initiate proceedings for cancellation of permits.
The directive has been issued by the Transport Commissioner to all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs), Additional RTOs and Deputy Transport Commissioners following an analysis of data from the state’s e-detection portal.
The analysis, covering the period from April 1 to June 30, revealed widespread violations. During the three-month period, 43,696 e-challans were issued against 11,401 commercial vehicles operating without valid fitness certificates. Of these, 6,635 vehicles were caught more than once, 2,191 vehicles were detected five or more times, 960 vehicles were caught over 10 times, 359 vehicles were caught more than 20 times, and 37 vehicles were found violating the rule over 50 times. The figures indicate that many vehicle owners continued operating despite repeated penalties without renewing their fitness certificates.
The highest number of violations was recorded at Bandal (Old Manguli) Toll Plaza with 5,281 cases, followed by Pipili Toll Plaza with 4,816 cases and Seragarh Toll Plaza with 3,769 cases. Other major locations included Gudipada-Gangapada (2,807), Sambalpur-Bargarh (2,338), Bhagabada-Narayanpur (2,141), Kandra (1,629), Gurapali (1,579), Karapada (1,523) and Darjing Toll Plaza (1,502).
Under the new enforcement plan, vehicles caught violating fitness certificate norms 10 or more times will face action within seven days. Cases involving five to nine violations will be disposed of within 15 days, while those detected two to four times will be acted upon within 30 days.
During inspections, officials will verify fitness certificates, permits, insurance and tax documents. Vehicles found without a valid Fitness Certificate will be seized under Section 207 of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The department has also warned that habitual offenders may face suspension or cancellation of their RCs and cancellation of vehicle permits. All RTOs have been instructed to submit progress reports on enforcement every fortnight.
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