Bhubaneswar: Acting on the directive of Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, the State Transport Authority has launched a statewide special enforcement drive against traffic rule violations.

Over the past three days, authorities have taken strict action against offenders, issuing 4,611 e-challans and collecting fines exceeding Rs 21 lakh. As part of the crackdown, eight vehicles were seized and 93 driving licences were cancelled for serious violations.

The drive includes inspections of inter-state buses for valid permits, fitness certificates, and tax compliance. Enforcement teams are also targeting key offences such as overspeeding, riding without helmets, drunk driving, wrong-side driving, and carrying more than two passengers on two-wheelers.

Overspeeding accounted for the highest number of violations, with 1,289 challans issued, followed by 1,219 cases of helmetless riding. Additionally, 195 challans were issued for drunk driving and 146 for illegal parking.

Among regions, Cuttack RTO recorded the highest number of challans at 349, followed by Bhubaneswar-I (333), Balasore (298), Jharsuguda (293), and Puri (149).

In terms of fine collection, Khordha ARTO topped the list with Rs 7.86 lakh, followed by Puri RTO (Rs 3.20 lakh), Boudh RTO (Rs 2.23 lakh), Jharsuguda RTO (Rs 1.94 lakh), and Bhubaneswar-I RTO (Rs 1.53 lakh).

Officials said the enforcement drive will continue in the coming days, urging motorists to strictly adhere to traffic rules to ensure road safety.