Bhubaneswar, Aug 11: The Odisha Transport Department is set to take strict action against vehicles operating without valid insurance, particularly those that continue to violate rules despite repeated e-challans.

According to the department, as many as 65,73,633 vehicles in Odisha currently do not have valid insurance. Authorities have directed officials to seize vehicles that remain uninsured despite repeated fines.

The move follows recent directions from the Supreme Court calling for stronger enforcement against vehicles without valid insurance. The court has also directed that vehicles without valid insurance should not be allowed to purchase petrol or diesel, and asked state governments to implement the measure.

Following the Supreme Court’s directions, Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena has instructed officials to take action against uninsured vehicles in the state.

Under the new enforcement mechanism, e-detection systems will automatically verify the insurance, fitness certificates, pollution-under-control certificates and other mandatory documents of vehicles passing through toll plazas across Odisha.

Vehicles found without valid documents will be issued e-challans immediately. Habitual offenders could face further legal action, including cancellation of their registration certificates and seizure of their vehicles.

Odisha currently has 1,01,41,951 registered vehicles. Of these, only 35,68,318 vehicles have valid insurance, while 65,73,633 vehicles are reportedly uninsured.

The Transport Department has directed Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to intensify awareness campaigns and enforcement drives across the state.

Officials stressed that valid motor insurance is essential to ensure compensation in the event of accidents and to protect both vehicle owners and other road users. Vehicle owners have therefore been advised to renew their insurance, pollution certificates and other mandatory documents promptly to avoid penalties and legal action.

The Supreme Court has also suggested that the government consider introducing the fuel restriction for uninsured vehicles as a pilot project at the national level, underscoring the importance of ensuring that vehicles on Indian roads comply with mandatory insurance requirements.