Devbrat Patnaik

Bhubaneswar: Keeping in view the heavy rush at the regional transport offices in Bhubaneswar and other places across Odisha, State Transport Minister today said that the government is rethinking its decision with regard to strict implementation of New Motor Vehicles Act from December 1, hinting that the deadline might be extended again.

Raising the issue in the Assembly today, BJD MLA Debi Mishra said, "People are facing difficulties in availing necessary MV-related documents due to shortage of staff at the RTO offices. All the RTO offices except those in Bhubaneswar get closed in the evening. The government should rethink about its earlier decision. The Speaker must give a ruling over the issue seeking an answer from the concerned minister."

Speaking to media, Transport Minister said, "I am aware of the rush at the RTO offices. Discussions are underway and necessary steps will be taken so that people do not suffer due to the re-enforcement of the norms. The State government is rethinking on its decision to re-implement the MV Act from December 1."

This comes as a breather for thousands of commuters making a beeline at the RTO offices across Odisha. The situation is so drastic in Bhubaneswar that people were seen spending nights in queues in front of OSRTC office to escape hassles in getting vehicle-related documents.

Take a look at how the situation is during the office hours at RTOs.

With deadline for the reintroduction of MV Act inching closer, residents of Rourkela seen in serpentine queues outside RTO office to avail necessary vehicle-related documents. Watch:

Odisha government had earlier made it clear that there won’t be any further relaxation and stricter enforcement of traffic rules under the revised MV Act would be reintroduced from December 1. The enforcement was relaxed for three months in September following a face-off between police and public at Rajmahal Square in Bhubaneswar over collection of hefty fines.

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