Long queues, OTP glitches spike at pollution testing centres across Odisha after fuel curbs warning

Pollution testing centres across major cities in Odisha witnessed a heavy rush on Tuesday after the state government’s reported proposal that vehicles without valid Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates should be denied fuel and penalised during intensified enforcement beginning January 1.

The sudden surge has led to long queues, extended waiting hours and technical glitches, leaving many vehicle owners frustrated.

Ground reports from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack to Berhampur and Rourkela showed mobile and fixed pollution testing units witnessing a sharp increase in footfall as two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners rushed to update expired certificates.

Fear Of Fines Drives Last-Minute Compliance

Sources reported that the rush was largely driven by apprehension over fines and restrictions on fuel supply.

“People are worried that without a valid pollution certificate, they may not be allowed to refuel their vehicles or may face penalties during checking,” said the operator of a mobile pollution testing unit in Bhubaneswar. “Many want to complete the process before the deadline they believe is December 31.”

Notably, the Transport Department has already held meetings with petrol pump owners and fuel dealers across the state, directing them to display notices related to PUC compliance at outlets. Enforcement officials have also indicated that vehicle checks will become more frequent during January, which is observed as National Road Safety Month.

Long Waits And System-Related Issues

Reports also added that several motorists complained of waiting for over an hour at testing centres, only to face delays due to technical issues linked to mobile number verification and OTP generation.

Some said their applications were rejected because their vehicle registration details were not linked to their current phone numbers.

A Bhubaneswar resident alleged that despite receiving an automated reminder on his phone, he was denied service at the counter.

“My car’s pollution certificate expired earlier this month. I got a renewal reminder on my phone and came here. After waiting for a long time, they told me my phone number is not linked to my vehicle,” he said. “If that is the case, how did I receive the reminder? Now they are asking me to go to a Jan Seva Kendra to update the number. It is extremely frustrating.”

Testing unit operators acknowledged the problem, attributing delays to backend issues. “There is a delay in receiving OTPs and frequent errors in mobile number binding. This is slowing down the process and increasing waiting time,” one operator said.

As of the last reports, pollution testing centres continued to see steady queues, with no official relaxation announced for vehicles found without valid certificates once intensified checking begins from January 1.