Bhubaneswar, Oct 14 : In a move aimed at easing the burden of traffic violation penalties and streamlining the payment process, the Odisha state government has rolled out an online payment facility under the One-Time Settlement (OTS) scheme for pending traffic e-challans.

Initially applicable to offences under 17 sections of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, the scheme has now been extended to 24 sections, bringing more categories of traffic violations under its purview. The expansion allows thousands of vehicle owners in the state to settle their outstanding challans conveniently and with reduced penalties.

What is the One-Time Settlement (OTS) Scheme?

The OTS scheme is a limited-time initiative by the government that allows individuals to clear pending traffic e-challans with up to 50% waiver on the penalty amount. The scheme applies to all e-challans issued on or before July 31, 2025.

By offering financial relief and simplifying the payment process, the OTS scheme encourages voluntary compliance with traffic rules and helps reduce the backlog of pending cases under the Motor Vehicles Act.

How to Pay e-Challans Online

To take advantage of the scheme, citizens can visit the official portal:
https://echallan.parivahan.gov.in

Steps to pay:

1. Select the ‘Pay Online’ option.

2. Enter the challan number or vehicle registration number.

3. View details of pending challans.

4. Proceed with digital payment.

This fully online system eliminates the need for citizens to physically visit Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), saving both time and effort.

Key Offences Covered Under the OTS Scheme

The extended list of 24 traffic offences eligible under the scheme includes:

• Driving without a helmet

• Not wearing a seatbelt

• Driving without a valid license

• Driving without valid insurance

• Over-speeding

• Signal jumping

• Using mobile phones while driving

This comprehensive coverage ensures that a wide range of common traffic violations are now easier and cheaper to resolve.

Government’s Appeal and Cyber Safety Advisory

Odisha’s Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena highlighted that the initiative will benefit lakhs of citizens by helping them avoid legal hassles and penalties under the Motor Vehicles Act.

He urged the public to use only the official Transport Department portal for payments and to remain cautious of cyber fraud. Citizens should refrain from using third-party or suspicious websites and report any fraudulent activities to authorities.

For queries or technical support, individuals can contact their respective RTOs or use the 24×7 toll-free helpline provided by the department.

Conclusion

The introduction of the online payment option under the OTS scheme marks a progressive step in enhancing transparency, convenience, and efficiency in the enforcement of traffic laws in Odisha. By combining penalty relief with digital accessibility, the state is not only encouraging responsible driving but also reducing administrative burdens for both citizens and authorities.