Odisha PUCC Feb 1 deadline: Motorists complain of system bottlenecks, fines, overcrowding

With barely a month left before stricter enforcement of Pollution Under Control Certificate (PUCC) norms in Odisha, vehicle owners across the state are facing mounting difficulties due to procedural delays, limited infrastructure, and crowding at collection points.

Sources reported that while online payment options are available, many motorists are being compelled to deposit fines offline, leading to long queues and operational congestion.

Under the existing Motor Vehicles Act provisions, possession of a valid PUCC, insurance and fitness certificate is mandatory. However, as enforcement tightens, vehicle owners report that the process of obtaining pollution certificates and completing related formalities has become increasingly cumbersome, particularly in urban centres.

Infrastructure Constraints Add To Compliance Pressure

According to ground reports, the difficulty is not limited to payment of fines or documentation alone. Vehicle owners say the lack of adequate testing centres, uneven distribution of authorised PUCC facilities, and delays in issuance are preventing timely compliance.

In several locations, motorists approaching the deadline are unable to complete the required formalities despite repeated attempts.

“I have been standing here for the past 30 minutes, and the queue has barely moved. Many reach the counter only to return after being told to pay fines. People are being told to find a Jan Seva Kendra and pay fines before registering for PUCC. So many rules have left me confused,” said a two-wheeler owner at Bhubaneswar.

With only a limited window remaining before enforcement begins, concerns persist over how vehicle owners, who are unable to obtain certificates due to systemic issues, will be treated once penalties are imposed.

“There should have been a time period of at least 2 to 3 months. Suddenly deciding (to enforce PUCC norms) and asking people to get their vehicles certified has led to chaos and panic. Many do not have proper documents and need time to arrange those,” said another motorist waiting at a mobile pollution vehicle checking van in Cuttack.

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Enforcement From February 1, Minister Warns

Transport Minister Bibhuti Jena has reiterated that enforcement action will begin from February 1 against vehicles found without valid documents. He said the provisions under the Motor Vehicles Act are not new and are only being implemented more strictly.

“A valid Pollution Under Control Certificate, insurance and fitness certification are mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act. These provisions have been in place for a long time,” the minister had said earlier, urging vehicle owners to ensure compliance ahead of the deadline.

Green Stickers To Be Mandatory

As part of the compliance measures, green stickers will be made mandatory on all vehicles in Odisha from February. The transport department has stated that vehicles without the required sticker and documents will be liable for action once enforcement begins.

The minister said the PUCC mandate would come into full effect from February and advised motorists to complete documentation well in advance to avoid last-minute complications.