Odisha PUC Fake Certificates: Odisha Cancels Licences of 42 PUC Centres

Cuttack: The Odisha Transport Department has cancelled the licences of 42 Pollution Under Control (PUC) testing centres after uncovering large-scale irregularities in the issuance of pollution certificates. The action follows evidence that several centres issued certificates without conducting mandatory emission tests, raising serious concerns over vehicle pollution monitoring in the state.

Additional Transport Commissioner Deeptiranjan Patra confirmed the move, stating that investigations revealed systematic fraud across multiple centres. Some of these facilities were even found to be operating from outside Odisha while issuing certificates for vehicles registered within the state, violating regulatory norms and undermining environmental safeguards.

Odisha PUC Fake Certificates: Licences Cancelled After Evidence of Fake Certificates

According to officials, the cancelled centres were issuing pollution certificates without proper vehicle testing, effectively bypassing emission checks. Deeptiranjan Patra said the decision was taken after concrete proof of malpractice emerged, adding that the department had no option but to revoke the licences in the interest of public accountability.

The Transport Department has also lodged formal complaints against centres operating from other states, indicating that the fraud extended beyond Odisha’s borders. Authorities believe the misuse of digital systems played a key role in enabling the scam.

Also Read | PUC Certificate Mandatory in Odisha at Fuel Stations From January 1, 2026

Cyber Police Probe and Digital Manipulation Under Investigation

Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur has registered a case with the cyber police station in Bhubaneswar to investigate suspected digital tampering linked to the issuance of fake pollution certificates. Officials are examining how data was manipulated to upload invalid certificates onto official platforms.

The cyber investigation aims to identify the networks involved and prevent similar fraud in the future. Officials indicated that more centres could come under scrutiny as the probe progresses.

Odisha PUC Fake Certificates: Outdated Vehicle Data Raises Enforcement Challenges

Officials also revealed that pollution-related data for nearly 50 to 60 lakh vehicles in Odisha has not been updated in the central Vahan database. This lapse has created major hurdles for enforcing emission standards and validating pollution certificates across the state.

Without accurate and updated records, authorities face difficulties in issuing challans and monitoring compliance, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reforms in data management and oversight.

Helpline for Vehicle Owners and Further Action Ahead

To assist vehicle owners affected by certificate issues or wrongful challans, the Transport Department has asked citizens to contact the toll-free helpline number 1800-345-1073. Deeptiranjan Patra urged people to report problems immediately so they can be resolved without delay.

The department confirmed that the current crackdown is part of a broader initiative by the Odisha government to strengthen compliance with vehicle emission norms and eliminate corruption in the PUC certification process. Officials said further investigations are ongoing and more strict action against erring centres is likely in the coming days.