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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Transport commissioner issues termination notices to abolish border check posts in Maharashtra
Mumbai: Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar on Saturday issued termination notices to 22 border check posts in the state. This indicates that the border check posts, which are allegedly a hub for malpractices, are finally being abolished in Maharashtra. The decision was in line with the central govt directives and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. The aim is to streamline interstate transport and remove obstacles to the movement of commercial vehicles, said a senior transport official. A year ago, Madhya Pradesh abolished its border check posts. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said that these border check posts, established in 1966, were intended to control vehicle movement, ensure compliance with transport regulations, and collect road taxes. However, after the implementation of GST and advancements in digital measures, the need for these physical check posts diminished. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai In the past, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also instructed the closure of these check posts. The transporters' unions repeatedly demanded their closure through various representations. Consequently, a positive report addressing administrative issues was sent to the CM, and on approval, the border check posts will now be closed, Sarnaik said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Circus Magic Unveiled GCE Read More Undo In this context, a committee chaired by Bhimanwar conducted an in-depth study of the decision's impact and effectiveness. Based on this report, the govt concluded that the need for physical inspections could be effectively replaced by online systems and electronic monitoring. This transition will increase efficiency, reduce delays, and help prevent malpractices, according to Sarnaik. Sources said that a private firm was appointed for the border check post project, and agreements were made for the operation and maintenance of the facilities. However, due to the decision to close these check posts, compensation of Rs 504 crore needs to be paid to the private entity, an official said. "Once this amount is paid, the related technology and immovable assets will become the property of the transport department," the official added. Bal Malkit Singh from All India Motor Transport Congress said, "This landmark decision comes in response to repeated appeals and follow-ups by transport unions, stakeholders, and the central govt. 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."
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Deadline extended again: Motorists yet to install HSRP
Nagpur: Despite repeated extensions and appeals, a significant number of vehicle owners in Maharashtra — particularly in Nagpur — are yet to replace their old registration plates with High Security Registration Plates (HSRP), mandated for all vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. HSRP is a tamper-proof number plate with a unique identification code and non-removable snap locks aimed at curbing vehicle theft and improving traceability. The installation is mandatory under Central Motor Vehicle Rules. In a fresh circular issued by Maharashtra transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar, the govt has once again extended the deadline for HSRP installation to August 15, 2025, citing poor public response and growing demand from citizens for more time. The previous deadline was June 30, 2025. As per the latest figures, compliance with the mandatory High Security Registration Plate (HSRP) installation remains sluggish across Nagpur. Out of 16.71 lakh vehicles registered before April 1, 2019, only a fraction completed the fitment process. In Nagpur city RTO, which oversees 12.59 lakh eligible vehicles, just 1,13,427 HSRP orders were placed, and only 55,076 plates were fitted so far. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like What She Did Mid-Air Left Passengers Speechless medalmerit Learn More Undo While 71,248 appointments were booked till June 19, the gap between orders and actual fitments reflects a massive backlog and lack of urgency among vehicle owners. The situation in Nagpur (East) Deputy RTO is similar, where 4.11 lakh vehicles fall under the mandate. Of these, 1,09,183 HSRP orders were recorded, but only 48,136 vehicles completed the fitment process. Appointments in this zone stood at 62,470 as of June 19. Meanwhile, the Nagpur Rural RTO, which handles 5.62 lakh pre-2019 vehicles, has shown relatively better progress, with 82,853 vehicles fitted with HSRP from a total of 1.47 lakh orders placed. The transport department has warned that vehicles failing to install HSRP by the extended deadline will face strict penal action from flying squads. However, those who book appointments before August 15 will be exempted from penalties, even if their actual fitment is scheduled for a later date. To ensure compliance, all regional and deputy regional transport officers have been instructed to conduct wide-scale awareness campaigns in their respective areas. They have also been asked to hold meetings with local vehicle dealers and transport unions, including those representing autos, taxis, buses, and trucks, to spread information. Bhimanwar has urged citizens not to wait till the last minute and to promptly book appointments for HSRP installation to avoid fines.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
HSRP deadline extended to Aug 15
1 2 P une: The state transport department on Thursday extended the deadline to install high security registration plates (HSRP) to Aug 15 for vehicles registered before April 2019. State transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar told TOI that this was the last deadline extension. "There will be no further extension of the deadline to fit HSRP. Vehicles registered before April 209 but without HSRP after Aug 15 will be penalised," he said. The earlier deadline to install HSRP on vehicles was June 30. Around 25 lakh vehicles need HSRP under the Pune RTO. Close to 2.6 lakh HSRPs have been fitted so far. People have been facing various issues during the HSRP fitment process in the city. A source in the state transport office said people should at least take an appointment for the fitment of HSRP and possess the receipt for the same to escape the penalty after the Aug 15 deadline. "Those who don't even have an appointment to fit HSRP will face action for sure," the source said.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Bike Taxi Blues: RTO Calls For Views On Policy, Day Before Deadline Ends
Nagpur: Even though June 5 was the last date for submitting suggestions on Maharashtra's proposed bike taxi policy, the Nagpur Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Thursday invited public objections only on the final day, raising eyebrows over delayed communication and citizen outreach. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The draft rules, aimed at legalising two-wheeler taxi services in cities with over one lakh population, were issued by the state govt on May 22, but local-level awareness came tad too late. The state transport department's draft "Maharashtra Bike-Taxi Rules, 2025" lays out comprehensive aggregator policy for launching shared two-wheeler taxi services. Proposed rules make it mandatory for service providers to own at least 50 electric two-wheelers & apply for an aggregator licence using Form-1. Additional conditions include app-based booking systems, a fare structure, complaint redressal mechanism, & safety norms. In Nagpur, regional transport officer Kiran Bidkar told TOI the directive to seek public feedback was received the state transport commissioner's office headed by Vivek Bhimanwar only recently. "The last date was June 5. But since we got the instructions a couple of days ago, we are now inviting feedback from citizens. The govt may still consider the inputs," he said. However, transport activists criticised the timing, calling it a failure of public engagement. "This is a significant policy that impacts urban mobility, delivery workers, and unemployed youth looking to join the gig economy. Why was the public not informed in time?" said an auto-rickshaw union leader who preferred anonymity. The draft rules created a buzz among startups and delivery platforms, which have long demanded legalisation of two-wheeler taxis. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The policy could open doors for app-based services similar to those in other metro cities, providing affordable and faster last-mile connectivity. Still, concerns remain over traffic regulation, safety, insurance compliance, and impact on auto-rickshaw drivers. The RTO has asked citizens to send their suggestions or objections in writing or visit the city RTO office directly. However, with the official deadline now over, it remains unclear how long the window for feedback will remain open or whether new inputs will officially be incorporated into the final version submitted to the govt. Despite the communication lapse, RTO officials insisted they are committed to transparency & inclusivity in implementing the policy.
Time of India
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Book HSRP appointment before June 16, else risk denial of key services
Nagpur: Despite repeated directives from the Maharashtra transport commissioner, a majority of vehicle owners in Nagpur are yet to install High Security Registration Plates (HSRP) on vehicles registered before April 1, 2019. Now, the state transport department has warned that vehicle owners who have not fitted the HSRP plates will be denied key services after June 16. Vehicle owners who have booked appointment for HSRP fitment before this date have been exempted. On June 2, transport commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar issued a order directing all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in the state to stop processing ownership transfers, address change in registration certificates, hypothecation entries and removals, duplicate RC issuance, vehicle modification entries, and NOCs for vehicles that are not fitted with HSRP. "Only those vehicle owners who have a valid appointment for HSRP installation will be exempted. Renewal of fitness certificates for transport vehicles and registration certificate renewals for private vehicles are currently not included in this restriction," the order stated. HSRP installation was made mandatory under Rule 50 of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), 1989. The new number plates come with unique serial numbers, holograms and are tamper-proof, ensuring better tracking and security. However, several issues are hampering compliance. Many motorists complain about the cumbersome online appointment procedure and a long waiting list at dealer fitment centres. There are also reports of some dealers charging exorbitant fees, despite clear instructions that no additional charges should be levied. Furthermore, in violation of norms, some dealers are affixing the plates using screws instead of the mandatory permanent fixtures. The transport department has also clarified that imitation HSRP plates — those that merely display holograms, the 'IND' mark, or words like 'INDIA'— will not be considered valid unless they are issued by an authorised manufacturer and updated on the VAHAN portal. Owners of such vehicles risk being fined Rs1,000 under Section 177 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. Out of the 16.71 lakh vehicles registered in Nagpur district before April 1, 2019, only around 21.6% are fitted with valid HSRPs. Among the three RTOs in the district, the Nagpur Rural RTO has recorded the highest compliance so far, with 1.20 lakh out of 5.62 lakh vehicles fitted with the new plates. Officials expressed concern over the widespread disregard for the regulation and indicated that there will be strict enforcement of the order after June 16. Vehicle owners who fail to comply risk not just monetary penalties but also being barred from essential vehicle-related services.
