Bhubaneswar, May 1: Acting on directives of Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the department launched a statewide special enforcement drive against illegal passenger transport in goods vehicles, prioritising road safety.

Statewide Enforcement Drive
On the first day of the drive on April 29, a total of 1,052 vehicles were inspected across Odisha, with violations detected in 109 cases. Authorities issued challans and initiated strict action against offenders.

As part of enforcement, 71 vehicles were detained and 24 vehicles seized. Additionally, notices were issued for cancellation of registration certificates (RC) of 79 vehicles, while 62 driving licences (DL) were suspended.

District-Wise Detentions
In terms of vehicle detention, Bolangir and Bhubaneswar-1 recorded the highest numbers with eight vehicles each, followed by Koraput with seven and Ganjam with five.

Angul, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara and Bhubaneswar-2 reported four vehicles each, while Dhenkanal, Bhanjanagar, Cuttack, Kalahandi and Sonepur recorded three cases each.

Nuapada, Rourkela and Chandikhol saw two vehicles detained each, whereas Talcher, Jajpur, Malkangiri, Rairangpur, Puri and Sundargarh reported one detention each.

A significant number of violations were detected in Bolangir, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar-1 and Koraput regions during the drive, indicating major enforcement concerns in these areas.

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Legal Warning And Public Safety Concern
The State Transport Authority reiterated that carrying passengers in goods vehicles is a punishable offence and poses a serious risk to public safety.

The department emphasised that the special drive will continue till May 8, aiming to raise awareness and reduce road accidents.

Vehicle owners and drivers have been urged to strictly comply with the Motor Vehicles Act, officials said.