FASTag recharge blocked without insurance and PUCC
Bhubaneswar: Vehicle owners in Odisha will face stricter transport enforcement beginning February 1, 2026, as FASTag recharge will be blocked for vehicles lacking a valid insurance or a Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC).
According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, motorists with expired insurance, missing PUCC, or pending traffic challans will not be able to activate FASTag.
Those attempting to cross toll plazas without compliance will face heavy penalties. To reactivate FASTag, owners must clear fines and update their documents.
From January 1, commercial vehicles—including taxis, vans, buses, trucks, and those with national permits—must install Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD).
New registrations, renewals, or ownership transfers will not proceed without these devices, and mandatory inspections will ensure compliance.
Starting April 1, physical inspections will become compulsory during fitness certification and pollution checks. Only vehicles with valid insurance and cleared challans will receive certificates and permits.
Authorities have also directed district administrations, the Transport Department, and NHAI to install speed limit signboards.
However, motorists have criticised enforcement, arguing that fines of up to Rs 2,000 for overspeeding are being levied despite inadequate signage.
These measures highlight the government’s push for safer, cleaner, and more accountable road transport across Odisha and India.
