Chhatrapur, July 28 (UDN): The Ganjam Regional Transport authorities on Monday imposed a penalty of ₹8.40 lakh on a private passenger bus after it was found operating without several mandatory documents during a routine enforcement drive.
The bus, 'Jayshree' (registration number OD-19-R-4597), was intercepted while travelling from Berhampur to Chhatrapur. Officials conducted an inspection as part of a vehicle-checking drive undertaken by the district transport authorities.
During the inspection, the vehicle was found to be operating without several essential documents, including a valid fitness certificate, road tax clearance, pollution under control (PUC) certificate and insurance. The driver was also allegedly unable to produce a valid driving licence.
According to transport officials, the total penalty amounted to ₹8,40,163, with the largest component—₹8,05,163—being outstanding road tax dues. Additional penalties included ₹5,000 for failure to produce registration-related documents and ₹10,000 for operating the vehicle without a valid pollution certificate, besides fines for other violations under the Motor Vehicles Act.
The challan has been issued in the name of the vehicle owner, Santosh Kumar Sahu.
Following the enforcement action, the bus was seized and shifted to the Driving Testing Centre at Agastinuagaon. Transport officials said the vehicle will be released only after the owner clears the outstanding dues and complies with the statutory requirements.
The action is part of the Transport Department's ongoing drive to enforce road safety norms and ensure that public transport vehicles operate in compliance with legal and safety regulations.
