Bhubaneswar, April 6: In a decisive push to make roads safer and cleaner, Odisha has cracked down on aging commercial vehicles from outside the state. The State Transport Authority (STA) has begun enforcing a strict ban on vehicles over 10 years old, a move expected to curb pollution and keep unfit transport off the roads.

The move, originally approved during the STA’s 301st meeting on July 19, 2023, is now being enforced statewide, with all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) directed to ensure compliance.

Under the new rules, commercial vehicles from other states that are more than a decade old will no longer be permitted to operate in Odisha. Authorities have also been instructed not to grant fresh permits to such vehicles.

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Additionally, RTOs and Assistant RTOs have been told not to process ownership transfers, address updates, or collect any transport tax related to these vehicles.

The decision is expected to improve road safety, remove unfit vehicles from circulation, and reduce pollution levels caused by aging commercial fleets.