TV
In a major crackdown on illegal transport operations, the Cuttack Regional Transport Office (RTO) has slapped a massive fine of Rs 12,92,909 on a private bus for operating without a valid registration, permit, and tax clearance.
According to officials from the Transport Department, the bus had been operating for several years without a permit and without paying road taxes since 2023. Additionally, the vehicle had no valid registration documents, violating multiple provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act.
The vehicle was intercepted and seized during a routine enforcement drive conducted by the department in the Nayagarh region.
Upon investigation, it was found that the operator had flouted multiple transport norms, prompting the authorities to impose the hefty penalty.
This comes just days after another private bus was fined Rs 10 lakh by the Cuttack RTO for similar violations, highlighting the department’s intensified vigilance against errant transport operators. The total fine of Rs 9,92,756 included dues for road tax, penalties for non-payment, and charges related to the bus’s fitness and permit.
Notably, the action came after the owner repeatedly failed to respond to notices sent by the Cuttack RTO, which had called him several times to clear pending road taxes and fines.
After the seizure, the bus owner deposited the entire fine amount at the RTO office on Wednesday and subsequently took possession of the bus.
Officials said strict action will continue against such violators to ensure road safety, regulatory compliance, and revenue protection for the state.
