No more RTO border check posts, announces Maharashtra Transport dept

The Maharashtra government has decided to permanently shut down all Motor Transport Border Check Posts across the state. Representational Pic/File

The Maharashtra transport ministry on Sunday formally announced the permanent closure of border check posts and said they had sent a positive report to the government. Known for being hubs of corruption, transporters, who had pushed for their closure, welcomed the decision.

"In line with the directives of the Central Government and in line with the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, the Maharashtra Government has decided to permanently close all the Motor Transport Border Check Posts (RTO border check posts) in the state. The aim of this decision is to smoothen inter-state traffic and remove obstacles in the movement of commercial vehicles," Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said.

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Sarnaik further said the original purpose of these border check posts, which were established in the year 1966, was to control the movement of vehicles, ensure compliance with transport rules and collect road tax.

"After the implementation of GST and the progress made in digital implementation measures, the need for these border check posts, which were established for physical inspection, is no longer there. In this regard, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari had directed the Transport Department of Maharashtra. Accordingly, a positive report has been sent to the Chief Minister after eliminating the administrative errors. After his approval, the check posts on the state border will be closed," he said.

Transporters welcome decision

"We welcome this long-awaited and much-needed decision by the Maharashtra Government. It is the result of our persistent follow-up, multiple representations, and continuous pursuit at every level and forum. The permanent closure of RTO border check posts will greatly benefit the road transport sector, reduce corruption and delays, and align Maharashtra with the progressive vision of digital and seamless transport operations. We sincerely appreciate the state government's action and now look forward to the formal announcement by the Chief Minister at the earliest," Bal Malkit Singh, Advisor & Former President, All India Motor Transport Congress told mid-day.

"The landmark decision comes in response to repeated appeals and follow-ups by transport unions, stakeholders, and the central government. The move aims to eliminate bottlenecks in interstate transportation, enhance road safety, and implement a paperless, technology-driven monitoring system in line with the ‘Ease of Doing Business' framework," he added.