TNI Bureau: Hundreds of vehicles under the state Transport Department are operating without valid Pollution Under Control Certificates (PUCC), according to information revealed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

In a written reply to an unstarred question, Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena informed that a total of 242 vehicles are currently deployed in Transport offices across the state. Out of these, 44 vehicles belong to the state government, while 198 vehicles have been hired.

The minister stated that the PUCC validity of all these vehicles expired on December 22, 2025, and has not been renewed since then.

Meanwhile, concerns have also been raised over several school buses operating without valid fitness certificates. Despite the lapse, some school authorities continue to run these buses.

The minister directed officials to conduct strict inspections and take action against vehicles operating without valid fitness or PUCC certificates. He warned that repeated violations may lead to cancellation of vehicle registration (RC). Some vehicles have already faced action, and further checks will continue to ensure compliance with safety and pollution norms.