Bhubaneswar: Vehicle Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate checks will resume across Odisha from April 2, with authorities set to inspect other vehicle documents as well during an intensified enforcement drive, officials said.
The Transport Department’s special campaign, launched on March 21 to enhance road safety and curb traffic violations, has been extended till April 10 on the direction of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena.
Officials said the drive will continue to focus on both awareness and enforcement, with strict action planned against violators of traffic rules across the state.
PUC verification, which had been temporarily relaxed till April 1 amid public backlash, will now be reinstated under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act. Enforcement teams will check valid pollution certificates along with other mandatory vehicle documents.
The earlier crackdown had triggered widespread public resentment after vehicle owners without valid PUC certificates were fined up to ₹10,000 at several toll gates. The state government had linked issuance of pollution certificates to payment of pending fines, prompting protests and long queues at testing centres.
Facing mounting criticism, the government subsequently extended the deadline for compliance till March 31. With the grace period now over, authorities are moving to resume strict enforcement.
The Transport Department reiterated that the ongoing drive is aimed at improving road safety standards and ensuring compliance with environmental and traffic regulations.
