RC Cancellation Alert For Over 20 Lakh Vehicles In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: More than 20 lakh vehicles in Odisha have come under the state transport department’s scanner for prolonged non-compliance with mandatory requirements, including insurance, fitness certificates, permits, pollution certificates and tax documents.

Vehicle owners who fail to regularise their documents or respond to show-cause notices within the stipulated period could face action, including movement of their vehicles from the temporary archive to the ‘Permanent Archive’ category.

Transport Commissioner-cum-State Transport Authority chairperson Amitabh Thakur said vehicles without valid mandatory documents were being treated as non-compliant and urged owners to respond to notices within the prescribed timeframe.

“If a vehicle has no permit, fitness or insurance, it falls into the non-compliant category. Owners are being given an opportunity to respond through show-cause notices. Those who fail to submit their replies within the stipulated period could face action, with their vehicles moved from the temporary archive to the permanent archive,” Thakur said.

Vehicles found without insurance for more than three years or fitness certificates for over two years are among those being scrutinised. Vehicles more than 15 years old without the required fitness certification, as well as those lacking valid pollution and tax documents, may also face action.

Thakur said the compliance drive was aimed at protecting vehicle owners and road users rather than generating revenue. He stressed the importance of third-party insurance, particularly in the event of an accident.

“Insurance is primarily a safeguard for the vehicle owner. If an uninsured vehicle meets with an accident, the owner may not receive compensation from the insurer and could instead have to bear the entire financial liability arising from the incident,” he said.

Road safety expert Subrat Nanda said enforcement should be accompanied by greater public awareness.

“Enforcement cannot be limited to collecting fines. The transport department should explain the consequences of violations and make vehicle owners understand the risks they are exposing themselves and others to,” Nanda said.

He said the drive follows directions from the Centre and stressed the need for a digital vehicle database to track insurance, fitness, pollution certificates, tax and re-registration requirements.