Vehicle owners in Odisha without valid insurance may soon face stricter enforcement as the Transport Department prepares to intensify checks through the e-Detection system at toll gates across the state.

Under the new enforcement mechanism, vehicles passing through toll plazas will be automatically checked for essential documents, including valid insurance, fitness certificates and pollution under control (PUC) certificates. Vehicles found without valid documents will receive e-challans, while habitual violators could face registration cancellation and vehicle seizure.

E-Detection System to Track Violations

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena has directed officials to adopt a strict approach against violations of motor vehicle rules. The move is aimed at ensuring full implementation of the Motor Vehicles rules in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court.

Through the e-Detection system, vehicles travelling through toll gates in Odisha will undergo automated verification of their documents. If a vehicle is found to be uninsured or lacks other mandatory documents, an e-challan will be issued to the registered owner.

Officials will also initiate legal action against habitual offenders. This could include cancellation of the vehicle’s Registration Certificate and seizure of the vehicle.

Over 65 Lakh Vehicles Without Valid Insurance

The scale of the problem remains a major concern for the state authorities.

According to information from the State Transport Authority, Odisha has a total of 1,01,41,951 registered vehicles. Of these, 65,73,633 vehicles do not have valid insurance, meaning more than 60% of the vehicles registered in the state currently lack valid insurance coverage.

In view of the situation, the Transport Commissioner has directed Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to undertake extensive awareness campaigns and step up enforcement against uninsured vehicles.

Insurance Crucial for Accident Compensation

Authorities have stressed that valid vehicle insurance is essential to ensure appropriate compensation for victims of road accidents and their families.

The Transport Department’s tougher enforcement drive has also received support from vehicle owners, who have welcomed the move to ensure greater compliance with road safety regulations.

With automated checks being introduced at toll gates, vehicle owners without valid insurance or other mandatory documents could face penalties without the need for manual verification.

The department has therefore advised vehicle owners to check the validity of their insurance and other documents and renew them immediately to avoid e-challans and further legal action.