In a significant relief to thousands of vehicle owners across Odisha, the state government has eased a long-standing restriction linked to the issuance of Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC). The move has brought immediate relief to motorists who were earlier denied PUCCs due to unpaid traffic challans or e-challans older than 90 days.

Earlier Rule Created a Catch-22 Situation

Under the earlier system, vehicle owners who failed to clear traffic challans within 90 days were barred from obtaining or renewing their PUCC. This proved especially problematic for motorists whose challans were under legal dispute or pending before courts.

As a result, many drivers found themselves trapped in a Catch-22 situation—unable to secure a PUCC without paying fines, and simultaneously risking further penalties for driving without a valid pollution certificate.

Unannounced but Effective Policy Change

Responding to growing public frustration and practical difficulties, the state transport department has quietly relaxed this restriction. It is now being reported that PUCCs are being issued even if old traffic fines or e-challans remain unpaid.

Though no formal notification or official announcement has been issued so far, the change is already being implemented on the ground, offering immediate respite to affected vehicle owners.

Move Comes Amid Stricter Pollution Enforcement

The relaxation comes at a time when Odisha is simultaneously tightening its pollution control regime. The “no PUCC, no fuel” rule at petrol pumps came into effect from February 1, 2026, while toll gate penalties for PUCC defaults are set to be enforced strictly after the grace period ends on April 1.

Earlier, the rigid linkage between PUCC issuance and challan clearance had undermined these environmental initiatives by discouraging compliance rather than promoting it.

Relief for Motorists, Questions Over Policy Consistency

While the decision has been widely welcomed by commuters and transport stakeholders, it has also sparked debate on policy consistency under the Motor Vehicles Act. Critics argue that frequent, unofficial changes may create confusion, while supporters see the move as a pragmatic step to reduce harassment and improve compliance with pollution norms.

Transport authorities, however, have so far refrained from making any official comment on the matter.

Easier Document Renewal, Reduced Harassment

The relaxation is expected to simplify the process of renewing vehicle documents and prevent the piling up of compounded fines. For daily commuters and commercial vehicle operators alike, the change is being seen as a much-needed, people-friendly reform.

As motorists across Odisha begin to feel the impact of this decision, there is growing demand for a formal clarification from the government to bring transparency and certainty to the revised PUCC policy.

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