Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved the formulation of a new cadre rule — “The Odisha Transport-Traffic and Enforcement (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026” — replacing the existing 2013 rules and subsequent amendments, in a move aimed at strengthening enforcement and road safety mechanisms in the state.
The new rules will supersede “The Odisha Transport-Traffic and Enforcement (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2013” and incorporate all amendments made over the years, along with provisions for newly created posts within the Transport-Traffic Enforcement cadre under the Commerce & Transport Department.
Under the 2013 framework, the cadre comprised posts such as Traffic Constable, Assistant Sub-Inspector (Traffic), Sub-Inspector (Traffic), Inspector (Traffic) and Deputy Superintendent (Traffic). Subsequent amendments had altered recruitment procedures and service conditions.
As per a 2013 amendment, recruitment for the post of Traffic Constable through direct recruitment was shifted to the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission from the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission.
Further changes were introduced in 2021, including revised physical test parameters for direct recruitment. The running test was standardised to 1.6 km in 8 minutes for men and 10 minutes for women, while the cycling skill test was discontinued. The composition of the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) was also modified, with the Principal Secretary/Secretary of the Commerce & Transport Department designated as Chairperson and the Transport Commissioner as a member for promotions to the posts of Sub-Inspector (Traffic) and Deputy Superintendent (Traffic).
In a bid to enhance enforcement and road safety activities, the state government had earlier approved restructuring within the cadre by abolishing 26 posts of Assistant Sub-Inspector (Traffic) and creating new positions. These include one post of Joint Commissioner Transport (Enforcement) in Level-14, three posts of Deputy Commissioner Transport (Enforcement) in Level-13, two posts of Deputy Superintendent (Traffic) in Level-12, and five posts of Sub-Inspector (Traffic) in Level-9 of the pay matrix.
Officials said the newly approved 2026 rules will provide a comprehensive framework to regulate recruitment processes, define service conditions, and integrate the newly created posts as part of the promotional hierarchy. It will also formalise changes related to recruitment agencies and physical efficiency tests.
The move is expected to streamline administrative processes and bolster the state’s capacity for traffic enforcement and road safety management.
