Odisha’s Motor Vehicle Revenue Drops by 58% In First Quarter

Bhubaneswar: In yet another indicator of sluggish economic recovery after COVID-19 breakout, the motor vehicle revenue of the state government has dropped by around 58 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal.

According to Odisha State Transport Authority (STA), Rs 159.8 crore was collected during April-June against Rs 384 crore in the corresponding period last year.

While Rs 28.66 crore revenue was collected in April, it was Rs 35 crore in May and Rs 96 crore in June against Rs 166.2 crore, Rs 105 crore and Rs 112.7 crore in respective months last year.

However, the Transport department is upbeat about the recovery with the vehicle sales making a steady climb since April. As per the STA data, around 49,000 vehicles have been sold so far despite lockdown due to COVID-19.

While 2,599 vehicles were sold in April, it went up to 29,000 vehicles till date in July. On an average, 60,000 vehicles are sold in a month during normal time.

The government has also incurred loss of revenue from driving licences as new tests are not conducted in view of the COVID-19. Besides, the buses were exempted from paying taxes in the first quarter.