Bhubaneswar: With nearly 65% of vehicles in Odisha operating without valid insurance, the state govt on Monday announced that habitual offenders could face cancellation of registration certificates and seizure of vehicles.A govt statement stated that violators would be identified through an automated e-detection system at toll plazas, in line with recent Supreme Court directions aimed at improving compliance with mandatory third-party motor insurance.Under the new enforcement mechanism, vehicles passing through toll gates across the state will be digitally screened for valid insurance besides for fitness certificates, pollution under control (PUC) certificates and other mandatory documents. Vehicles found without valid documents will be issued instant e-challans within the next few days, with further action to be taken in a phased manner.Expressing concern over the high number of uninsured vehicles, state commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena said, “The govt would adopt a multi-pronged approach against violators and ensure full implementation of Motor Vehicles Rules in accordance with Supreme Court directives.”Official data show that of the 1.01 crore registered vehicles in Odisha, only 35.68 lakh have valid insurance, while 65.73 lakh remain uninsured. This is an improvement from around 85 lakh uninsured vehicles last year following enforcement drives.The transport department said intensive awareness campaigns would be launched at the RTO level alongside stricter enforcement measures to improve compliance. A govt official said data on uninsured vehicles captured at toll gates would initially be shared with insurance companies so they can approach the owners for insurance coverage.The move comes days after the apex court, in a judgment delivered on Aug 4, expressed concern over the large number of uninsured vehicles on roads and ordered a series of measures to strengthen enforcement of mandatory motor insurance. The court also directed authorities to explore a pilot project under which vehicles without valid insurance could be denied fuel at petrol pumps.The SC observed that nearly 56% of vehicles nationwide remain uninsured, undermining the objective of Section 146 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates third-party insurance and seeks to ensure timely compensation for road accident victims.Officials said valid insurance is crucial to ensuring adequate compensation for accident victims and their families. “Vehicles operating without insurance pose a risk not only to their owners but also to other road users,” the department said.The commerce and transport department has urged vehicle owners to immediately renew insurance policies, PUC certificates and other mandatory documents to avoid legal action and contribute to safer roads.
