Bhubaneswar: State Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur has spearheaded a massive statewide enforcement drive to curb traffic violations and enhance road safety across Odisha. Operating under the direct instructions of Commerce and Transport Minister Shri Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and aligned with Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi’s “Come Home Safe” initiative, the State Transport Authority (STA) has launched this intensive 10-day campaign from March 21 to March 31, 2026.
The drive has witnessed an unprecedented scale of enforcement, with all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and their teams working in close coordination with the Odisha Police. On the very first day of the crackdown, authorities issued 17,831 e-challans and collected a staggering 9.57 crore rupees in fines. Additionally, 64 vehicles were seized for serious breaches of safety protocols.
Tough Cop Shri Amitabh Thakur, known for his proactive leadership, has been the driving force behind the mission. He has mobilized specialized teams to monitor high-risk zones, including national and state highways, mining hubs, and busy industrial belts. The enforcement primarily targets the leading causes of road fatalities: over-speeding, drunken driving, riding without helmets, wrong-way driving, and the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel.
The campaign also places heavy emphasis on the compliance of commercial vehicles. Tippers, dumpers, and heavy trucks operating in mining and construction areas are being rigorously checked for overloading and valid documentation. Within the first 48 hours alone, the department identified over 3,000 individuals driving without valid licenses, highlighting the depth of the intervention.
Beyond strict legal action, the STA is integrating community engagement into the drive. In various districts, innovative methods are being used to sensitize the public; for instance, in Dhenkanal, officials offered chocolates and flowers to violators to encourage behavioral change. The department has also scheduled blood donation camps, eye check-ups for drivers, and awareness programs in schools and colleges to foster a lasting culture of safety.
This statewide mission reflects a systemic shift toward accountability on Odisha’s roads. By combining the “tough cop” approach of Shri Thakur with widespread public awareness, the State Government aims to significantly reduce the accident severity rate and ensure the safety of every commuter.