The State Transport Authority (STA) in Odisha imposed Rs 95.7 million (mn) in fines on 17,831 people for breaching motor vehicle norms during a special statewide drive. The penalties were imposed on the first day of the operation, which was launched on Saturday. The campaign is scheduled to continue until the end of this month.

Joint enforcement teams comprising officers from the transport and police departments and from district administrations took part in the special drive across the state. Teams carried out checks at checkpoints and on arterial routes to detect non-compliance with traffic regulations. The coordinated action combined policing resources and transport oversight to increase the reach of the enforcement effort.

The STA described the measures as part of a focused effort to improve adherence to motor vehicle rules and to promote road safety for all road users. Fines were levied for a range of breaches of motor vehicle regulations, and the authority treated the campaign as a means to deter future violations. The initial day results were presented as an early indicator of enforcement intensity.

The administration indicated that the continued drive would allow authorities to monitor trends in violations and adjust enforcement priorities as necessary. Officials expect that sustained action will encourage compliance and reduce risky behaviour on roads without compromising lawful movement. The STA and partner departments will review outcomes at the close of the campaign and consider further steps to uphold traffic norms.

The STA indicated that periodic updates on enforcement outcomes would be provided to maintain public awareness and to inform policy responses. District administrations will continue to coordinate with transport and police authorities to target areas with persistent non-compliance. The state government emphasised that sustained enforcement is part of broader measures to safeguard road users and improve traffic discipline.