Why Balasore Is OD-01?

Why Balasore Is OD-01?

Balasore district, located in the coastal region of Odisha, India, stands out for its significant population and economic vitality. According to the 2011 Census, Balasore has a population of 2,317,419, ranking it fourth among Odisha’s districts. The district’s population density is 609 people per square kilometer, reflecting its substantial rural and urban communities.

In India, vehicle registration plates begin with a two-letter code representing the state or union territory, followed by a numerical code that identifies the specific Regional Transport Office (RTO) responsible for registering the vehicle. In the case of Balasore, a prominent city in Odisha, the RTO code is “OD-01.”

Understanding “OD-01”:

• “OD”: This is the state code for Odisha. Prior to 2011, Odisha was officially spelled as “Orissa,” and the corresponding vehicle registration code was “OR.” Following the renaming of the state to “Odisha,” the vehicle registration code was updated to “OD” on September 1, 2012, to reflect the change.
• “01”: This numerical code designates the specific RTO within the state. In this context, “01” corresponds to the Balasore RTO, indicating that it was the first RTO established in Odisha.

Therefore, “OD-01” signifies that a vehicle is registered in Balasore, Odisha. This coding system is part of a standardized format implemented across India to streamline vehicle registration and identification.

The assignment of “01” to Balasore’s RTO reflects its status as the first RTO in the state. Each subsequent RTO in Odisha has been assigned incremental numerical codes, such as “OD-02” for Bhubaneswar and “OD-03” for Bolangir.

This systematic approach ensures efficient management and traceability of vehicle registrations, facilitating administrative processes and law enforcement activities across the state.

Economically, Balasore is robust, benefiting from both agriculture and industry. The fertile alluvial soil, combined with a hot and humid climate and the presence of perennial rivers, creates an ideal environment for agriculture, earning Balasore the nickname “Granary of Odisha.”

In terms of rural population, Balasore ranks third in Odisha, with 2,067,236 residents living in rural areas. this highlights the district’s strong agrarian base and the prominence of rural communities.

The district’s administrative framework includes 12 blocks, 12 tehsils, 360-gram panchayats, and 3,049 villages, facilitating effective governance and development initiatives.

Balasore’s strategic location along the coast, coupled with its rich natural resources and balanced rural-urban population, contributes to its status as a leading district in Odisha.

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