Odisha STA to intensify drive against overloaded vehicles

The State Transport Authority has decided to launch anti overloading campaign throughout the state. In a move to promote safety, starting September 19, the department will launch a six-day long special drive against overloading of vehicles. As many as 1442 accidents took place due to overloaded/hanging vehicles in 2021.

A total of 673 people were killed due to the load condition of the vehicles. Moreover, a total of 834 persons were grievously injured and 588 had minor injuries in accidents involving overloaded vehicles.

State Transport Authority will take stern action against those found flouting Motor Vehicle rules. According to the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2019, the violators will be penalized under Section 194 (l). Overloading of vehicles would attract a penalty of Rs 20,000 and additional fine of Rs 2,000 per extra tonne. Also, the Driving Licence (DL) may be disqualified for three months.

In a press note, Sanjay Biswal, Joint Commissioner Transport, Road Safety said, “The drive will be extensively carried out through the state with special focus in the regions having industrial and mining activities as it is most commonly seen that many goods vehicle plying in these region do not comply with the rules causing accidents. The hyva, tipper, dumpers & other such similar category vehicles carrying sand, fly ash, chips etc. are often found plying while flouting Motor Vehicle (MV) rules.”

He further informed, the enforcement drive will be carried out with special focus on the districts of Rayagada, Bolangir, Bargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Sundergarh, Dhenkanal, Angul, Cuttack, Kendrapara, Jajpur, Balasore, Bhadrak and Khordha. Earlier in crackdown on overloaded vehicles, a total of 83 e-challans were issued, 25 vehicles were seized and 81 DLs were suspended. Compounding fees of Rs. 3, 69,461 was collected. The special drive will continue from 19.09.22- 25.09.22.Enforcement squads have been asked to conduct such drives at regular intervals.