Odisha STA Cracks Down on Juvenile Drivers in Statewide Road Safety Drive

The Odisha State Transport Authority launched a special drive, issuing 153 challans against juvenile drivers and seizing 60 vehicles on the first day. Under directives from Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, the inspections target road safety, primarily focusing on underage drivers, vehicle fitness, and adherence to traffic laws.

The Odisha State Transport Authority (STA) launched a rigorous road safety drive across the state on Tuesday, resulting in 153 challans issued against juvenile drivers and the seizure of 60 vehicles on the first day. The initiative aims to enhance road safety and enforce compliance with traffic laws.

On the opening day of the special enforcement drive, juvenile drivers were the primary focus, leading to significant penalties and vehicle confiscations, the department stated. Inspections were carried out under the supervision of 38 regional transport offices, including key locations such as Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Ganjam, Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Balasore.

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena mandated strict measures to curtail road accidents. The STA's inspection teams conducted thorough checks near schools and colleges, identifying numerous underage students operating vehicles without licenses. The offenders' parents or vehicle owners face fines of Rs 25,000 and potential imprisonment under the Motor Vehicles Act. Commissioner Amitabh Thakur emphasized ongoing enforcement and urged parents and institutions to take preventive steps.