Cuttack: The State Transport Authority of Odisha has issued an urgent advisory warning citizens against falling victim to cyber fraud while paying traffic e-challans.
Transport Commissioner Shri Amitabh Thakur urged vehicle owners to remain cautious regarding malicious links and fraud schemes designed to deceive drivers seeking to pay off traffic fines.
Authorities explicitly instructed citizens to process all fine payments exclusively through the official government portal at https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in.
The STA clarified that it never asks vehicle owners to download APK files or install mobile applications to clear pending fines. Fraudsters often distribute fraudulent links or malicious file downloads over messaging platforms to breach personal security and drain bank accounts.
The public is strongly advised to verify the portal before making payments and to avoid clicking on unverified links received via text messages or messaging apps.
To protect citizens and streamline vehicle management, the State Transport Authority of Odisha is expanding its digital infrastructure and citizen outreach initiatives.
The STA operates a dedicated public support setup, providing a centralized toll-free helpline for queries related to vehicle registration, driving training schools, and licensing. To curb the spread of financial scams, the authority collaborates with local cyber crime units to issue continuous public safety notifications and clear verification guidelines across state channels.
Alongside safety campaigns, the STA offers a suite of paperless online services via its official web portal. Vehicle owners can complete critical tasks digitally, such as updating mobile numbers linked to registration certificates, renewing RC documents, requesting certified copies, and processing tax payments—eliminating the need to physically visit Regional Transport Offices.
The State Authority also maintains dedicated support channels, including direct phone lines and formal grievance forms, ensuring that feedback, formal complaints, and service queries from the public are addressed directly by transport officials.