Cuttack: State Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur has placed the state transport enforcement agency on high alert as a massive road safety enforcement drive sweeps across Odisha.
Acting on the directives of Commerce and Transport Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the STA Chief Shri Thakur is on a special drive, which aims to curb traffic violations and reduce road fatalities from Cuttack to Koraput and Balasore to Bargarh.
The initiative saw an aggressive start, with officials issuing 17,831 e-challans by 5:00 PM on the very first day. The total fine amount levied against violators reached a staggering 9.57 crore rupees. Beyond monetary penalties, the department took 64 vehicles into custody for serious breaches of road safety protocols. This intensive enforcement will continue in both morning and evening shifts daily until March 31.
Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and their Deputies have formed specialized teams to monitor high-risk zones, including national and state highways, mining hubs, industrial belts, and busy market areas. The crackdown specifically targets the primary causes of road accidents: over-speeding, drunken driving, riding without helmets, wrong-way driving, illegal parking, mobile phone usage while driving, and overloading.
Special attention is being directed toward heavy vehicles such as tippers, dumpers, and hyvas involved in mining and construction. Officials are conducting rigorous checks on driving licenses and the legal compliance of these large-scale operations. This effort is being executed through close coordination between the Transport Department, district administrations, and the police.
Alongside enforcement, the campaign incorporates a strong element of public awareness. In Bhubaneswar, programs were held for long-distance bus drivers, while Jajpur focused on vehicle pollution. In an unusual approach to reform, officials in Dhenkanal sensitized violators by offering them chocolates and flowers. The department has also scheduled blood donation camps, eye check-ups for drivers, and consultations with vehicle owner associations to foster a culture of safety.
Driven by the Chief Minister’s “Come Home Safe” appeal, the State Transport Authority has reiterated that road safety is a collective responsibility. By combining strict legal action with community engagement, the state aims to transform Odisha’s roads into safer corridors for all citizens.