Bhubaneswar: The transport department issued fines amounting to Rs 9.6 crore against 17,800 traffic violators on the first day of the 10-day special enforcement drive that began on Saturday.The campaign was launched following a surge in accidents and fatalities across Odisha. State police data shows that 6,483 people died in road accidents in 2025, a 5.6% rise from 6,142 deaths in 2024. The number of accidents also increased by 3.3%, from 12,375 to 12,782.Transport commissioner Amitabh Thakur said, “On the first day, 17,831 e-challans were issued, amounting to fines of Rs 9,57,59,504. At least 64 vehicles were detained for serious violations of road safety rules.” The drive, initiated on the directive of commerce and transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, will continue till March 31 with crackdowns against violators in both morning and evening hours.RTOs have formed special teams to target major causes of accidents, including speeding, drink driving, helmetless riding, driving on the wrong side, illegal parking, mobile phone use while driving and overloading. Enforcement has been intensified at accident-prone spots, highways, industrial zones, city roads, intersections, market areas and bus stands. Heavy vehicles engaged in mining and construction are under particular scrutiny for licence compliance and load regulations.Alongside enforcement, awareness programmes were held across the state. Drivers were counselled on road safety and the public was educated about helmets, seatbelts and the dangers of speeding.In Bhubaneswar, sessions were organised for long-distance bus drivers and staff, while in Jajpur, a community programme focused on reducing vehicular pollution. Plans have also been made to conduct blood donation camps, eye check-ups, advisory sessions for drivers and passengers, and awareness drives in schools, colleges and public places.Thakur said the transport department, district administration and police are working jointly to ensure effective implementation of the campaign, combining strict enforcement with community engagement to reduce accidents and fatalities.
