Maharashtra govt announces permanent closure of all border check posts

The closure of check posts was long demanded by transporters. Representation pic/istock

The Maharashtra Transport Ministry on Sunday formally announced the permanent closure of all border check posts, submitting a positive report to the state government for approval. The move, long demanded by transporters due to the check posts' notorious links with corruption, was widely welcomed across the industry.

"In line with directives from the Central government and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the Maharashtra government has decided to permanently close all Motor Transport Border Check Posts (RTO border check posts) in the state," said Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik. "This step is aimed at easing interstate traffic and eliminating obstacles for commercial vehicles."

Sarnaik explained that the check posts, first set up in 1966, were originally intended to regulate vehicle movement, enforce transport laws, and collect road taxes. "However, with the rollout of GST and advancements in digital systems, the need for these physical inspection points has significantly reduced," he added. Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had directed the state's transport department to address this. A positive report has now been submitted to the chief minister after resolving administrative lapses. Upon his approval, the check posts at the state's borders will be permanently shut.

However, regular police police check posts will continue to function. "We welcome this long-awaited and much-needed decision by the Maharashtra government. It is the result of our persistent follow-ups, multiple representations, and efforts at every level," said Bal Malkit Singh, advisor and former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress, speaking to mid-day.

"The permanent closure of RTO border check posts will significantly benefit the road transport sector, reduce corruption and delays, and align Maharashtra with the progressive vision of digital, seamless transport operations. We appreciate the government's action and now look forward to the chief minister's formal announcement," he added.

Calling it a landmark move, Singh said the decision is a response to repeated appeals by transport unions, stakeholders, and the Central government. "It aims to eliminate bottlenecks in interstate transportation, improve road safety, and implement a paperless, tech-driven monitoring system in keeping with the ‘Ease of Doing Business' framework," he said.