Bhubaneswar, 06 April (H.S.): In a decisive step to enhance road safety and passenger convenience, the State Transport Authority (STA) of Odisha has issued a directive prohibiting the operation of commercial vehicles registered in other states that are over 10 years old from the date of manufacture.

The Transport Commissioner-cum-Chairman of the STA has formally issued the order, instructing all Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) to enforce the resolution strictly across the state.

According to the directive, approved during the 301st STA meeting held on July 19, 2023, commercial vehicles exceeding the 10-year age limit and registered outside Odisha will no longer be permitted to operate within the state. Authorities have also been directed to refrain from issuing any new permits to such vehicles.

Furthermore, RTOs and Assistant RTOs have been prohibited from allowing ownership transfers, change of address, or accepting any form of transport tax for out-of-state commercial vehicles older than 10 years.

The official order states, “All Regional Transport Officers are instructed not to allow any change of address, transfer of ownership, or accept tax in respect of other State stage or contract carriage vehicles exceeding 10 years of age henceforth.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda