Bhubaneswar, March 22 -- A total of 17,831 challans were issued across Odisha on Saturday as authorities launched a statewide road safety enforcement drive, officials said. The intensified crackdown on traffic violations on the first day alone resulted in fines amounting to Rs 9,57,59,504, while 64 vehicles were seized during the operation.

The special drive has been initiated under the direction of the Transport Minister, with strict enforcement measures being carried out across the state, from Cuttack to Koraput and Balasore to Bargarh. Officials said the campaign will continue till March 31.

Authorities have stepped up checking at accident-prone zones and high-traffic areas as part of the drive. These include national and state highw...