Odisha Implements Strict Ban on Old Commercial Vehicles from Other States
The Odisha state transport department has taken a decisive step to enhance road safety by announcing a comprehensive ban on the movement of commercial vehicles that are more than 10 years old and registered outside the state. This significant policy shift, announced on Monday, is specifically designed to prevent the resale of unfit vehicles from other regions into Odisha, thereby addressing critical safety concerns for passengers and other road users.
Addressing Safety Risks from Unfit Vehicles
According to officials, the decision stems from observations that numerous old and potentially hazardous vehicles, particularly passenger buses, were being sold in Odisha after being registered in other states. "We noticed that many old and unfit vehicles, particularly passenger buses, were being sold in Odisha after being registered elsewhere. This posed a serious risk to passenger safety. To address this, we have decided to prohibit the transfer of ownership of such vehicles into our state," stated Additional Transport Commissioner Dipti Ranjan Patra. The move is expected to significantly reduce accidents and improve overall road safety standards across the state.
Strict Enforcement and Compliance Measures
Under the new directive, no fresh permits will be issued to these vehicles, and regional transport officers (RTOs) have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. "RTOs and assistant RTOs have been directed not to process ownership transfers and address changes of such vehicles or collect transport taxes from them," Patra emphasized. This latest order, issued on Thursday, strengthens previous efforts; the state transport authority had initially announced restrictions on ownership transfers of 10-year-old vehicles from other states on July 19, 2023, but enforcement was reportedly weak. The renewed focus aims to close loopholes and ensure effective implementation.
Expected Benefits and Exemptions
Officials highlighted that the measure is anticipated to yield multiple benefits, including improved road safety, reduced pollution levels, and a gradual phasing out of unfit vehicles from the roads. However, certain exemptions remain in place. Vehicles that already have prior permission, those registered within Odisha, and those operating under valid inter-state permits are not subject to this ban, ensuring that legitimate operations continue uninterrupted.
Parallel Vehicle Scrapping Initiatives
In a related development, the Odisha government is actively scrapping its own vehicles older than 15 years under the Odisha Motor Vehicles (Registration and Functions of Vehicle Scrapping Facility) Policy, 2022. This process began in 2023, with vehicles being dismantled at registered scrapping facilities. Currently, Odisha has two such facilities located in Khurda and Chandikhol, with plans to establish a third facility in Rourkela to enhance capacity.
Voluntary Scrapping for Private Vehicles
While private vehicles are not mandated for scrapping, owners can voluntarily opt for disposal under the voluntary vehicle-fleet modernization programme, provided their vehicles meet specific fitness and safety standards. To date, approximately 11,000 old vehicles, including commercial, private, and government-owned units, have been scrapped, according to sources in the transport department. This comprehensive approach underscores Odisha's commitment to modernizing its vehicle fleet and promoting sustainable transportation practices.
