Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has warned of strict action against vehicles operating without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC) and fitness documents, with Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena stating that Registration Certificates (RC) could be cancelled for non-compliance.
The Minister on Thursday said, enforcement of PUCC norms would be significantly tightened across the state. He urged vehicle owners and operators to ensure that their vehicles carry valid PUCC and fitness certificates, cautioning that failure to comply may invite severe penalties, including cancellation of the vehicle’s RC.
Jena made it clear that repeated violations of transport regulations would not be tolerated. Habitual offenders and those found flouting norms multiple times could face cancellation of their Registration Certificates as part of the government’s stepped-up enforcement measures.
The Transport Department is set to intensify inspection drives in the coming days, with a particular focus on school buses to safeguard students. The Minister stressed that ensuring roadworthiness and emission compliance is a priority for the state government.
Highlighting reforms in the vehicle fitness certification process, Jena said fitness certificates will now be issued through an Automated Testing System (ATS). Construction of ATS centres is currently underway across Odisha. Although the state had earlier set deadlines for completion of these centres, permissions in five districts were delayed due to deadline-related constraints. Temporary manual arrangements have now been put in place, and the government has fixed a fresh target to complete the ATS infrastructure and streamline the issuance of fitness certificates.
Reiterating the government’s commitment to road safety and environmental protection, the Minister said strict monitoring and enforcement would continue to ensure compliance with transport and pollution norms.
