Bhubaneswar, August 10: The Odisha government has intensified its enforcement drive against vehicles operating without valid insurance, with Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena directing officials to strictly implement motor vehicle regulations.

According to the Transport Department, Odisha has 1,01,41,951 registered vehicles, of which only 35,68,318 have valid insurance. This leaves around 65,73,633 vehicles operating without valid insurance coverage.

As part of the crackdown, vehicles passing through toll plazas will be automatically checked for valid insurance, fitness certificates, pollution certificates and other mandatory documents through the e-detection system, officials said.

Vehicles found violating the rules will be issued e-challans immediately. Repeat offenders may face stringent action, including cancellation of vehicle registration and seizure of their vehicles.

The Transport Department will also step up enforcement operations and launch awareness campaigns through Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to encourage vehicle owners to keep their documents up to date.

Minister Jena emphasised that valid vehicle insurance is crucial to ensure compensation, as far as possible, for victims of road accidents. He warned that uninsured vehicles pose a serious risk not only to their owners but also to other road users.

The department also cited a recent observation by the Supreme Court, which said vehicles without valid insurance should not be supplied petrol or diesel and suggested that the Centre consider implementing such a measure initially on a pilot basis.

The Commerce and Transport Department has urged all vehicle owners to immediately renew their insurance, pollution certificates and other mandatory documents to avoid penalties and legal action.