Bhubaneswar: More than 40 lakh vehicles in Odisha are currently running without valid insurance, Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena said on Wednesday, urging vehicle owners to ensure that all mandatory documents are kept up to date.
Jena said the state government has directed the Transport department to intensify enforcement drives against vehicles operating without valid insurance and other required documents.
“The Supreme Court has also said that the state government should formulate strict guidelines regarding vehicle insurance. Insurance is mandatory for vehicles plying on the roads, and we are keeping a close watch on the issue. In our state, more than 40 lakh vehicles still do not have valid insurance,” Jena said while speaking to the media.
He said the department has been instructed to conduct strict enforcement drives and take action against violators. At the same time, the government is working to create greater awareness among vehicle owners about the need to have valid insurance.
“I urge everyone to ensure that all necessary documents are in place. For road safety, vehicle owners should have all the required documents, including a valid fitness certificate, PUC certificate, insurance, Registration Certificate (RC) and Driving Licence (DL),” the minister said.
Jena also appealed to the general public to comply with the rules and renew their vehicle insurance within the stipulated period to avoid legal action.
