Bhubaneswar: The Transport Department has identified 3,153 drivers operating vehicles without a valid driving license during the first two days of a 10-day special enforcement drive that began on Saturday (March 21, 2026). The campaign was launched in response to a sharp increase in road accidents and fatalities across the state.
According to the State Transport Authority (STA), extensive checks across Odisha led to the issuance of e-challans on March 21 and 22 to vehicles violating the Motor Vehicle Act. On the first day alone, 17,831 e-challans were issued, resulting in fines totaling Rs 9.57 crore. At least 64 vehicles were seized for serious violations of road safety rules.
The drive, initiated under the directive of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, is set to continue until March 31, with strict enforcement during both morning and evening hours
The department has urged citizens to follow traffic rules and carry valid driving licenses while driving, emphasising that such enforcement measures are part of a larger effort to make Odisha’s roads safer for everyone.
