Why Maharashtra will soon close all 22 RTO border checkposts
Maharashtra will join 18 other states that have already adopted paperless, technology-based transport regulation systems.
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The checkposts, which were first set up in 1966 to control traffic, enforce legalities, and collect state road taxes (File Photo)The Maharashtra government is set to close down all 22 Regional Transport Office (RTO) border checkposts in the state. The decision is in accordance with Central instructions and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), which has made many conventional border checks unnecessary.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik confirmed the move Sunday, saying the state has done all administrative procedures and sent a positive report to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Upon clearance, the checkposts will formally be taken down, he said.
“With GST implemented and digital tracking systems improving by the day, the requirement for physical border checkposts has decreased considerably. This move will be advantageous to transporters, decrease congestion, enhance road safety, and improve the ease of doing business in Maharashtra,” said Sarnaik.
The checkposts, which were first set up in 1966 to control traffic, enforce legalities, and collect state road taxes, are no longer needed, given advanced technology that allows for real-time vehicle tracking and tax adherence. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari had previously called on state administrations to scrap the obsolete system, and Chief Minister Fadnavis made the same call during a public function earlier this year.
The Transport Department’s proposal involves paying a compensation of Rs 505 crore to Adani Road Transport Limited, which was operating the Integrated Check Post (ICP) project. After the payment is made, all technological and structural assets will be handed over to the Transport Department.
A committee led by Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar assessed the impact of shutting down manual border checkposts and concluded that an electronic system can effectively replace the current mechanism for inspecting goods vehicles. Its report noted that this transformation will enhance efficiency, reduce delays, and significantly curb malpractices while strengthening enforcement through electronic monitoring.
This initiative will bring Maharashtra among the 18 other states that have already adopted paperless, technology-based transport regulation systems, significantly improving governance and logistics. The last green nod from CM Fadnavis is now pending for the formal closing of the checkposts.
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