The Maharashtra transport department has proposed the permanent closure of all 22 Regional Transport Office (RTO) border check posts across the state. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Sunday that a “positive” report on the proposal has been submitted to the Chief Minister’s Office after overcoming administrative hurdles.
According to the official release, the state’s decision aligns with directives from the Central government and is part of the broader Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The proposal now awaits final approval.
Shift towards paperless transport monitoring
“With this, Maharashtra joins 18 other states in adopting a modern, paperless, and technology-driven system of transport monitoring,” said Sarnaik. The closure aims to facilitate easier movement for transporters, enhance road safety, and support the Centre’s ‘Ease of Doing Business’ initiative.
The release mentioned that the state will need to pay Rs 504 crore in compensation to Adani Pvt Ltd, which was managing the integrated check posts under a public-private partnership (PPP). Once compensated, the infrastructure and technology assets will be transferred to the state government.
Changing role of check posts since GST
Established in 1966, these border check posts were originally intended to regulate vehicle traffic, enforce transport norms, and collect road taxes. However, with the introduction of GST and improvements in digital surveillance, the need for such physical check posts has significantly declined.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had earlier suggested that Maharashtra phase out these posts, a move later backed by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Transport unions had also been calling for their closure.
Part of Fadnavis government’s 100-day agenda
The planning for the closure was included in the Fadnavis government’s 100-day programme to monitor ministry performance. The state began modernising its check posts under a PPP model in 2009.
Maharashtra currently operates 22 check posts along its borders with Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Goa, Telangana, and Chhattisgarh. Several neighbouring states have already discontinued their border check posts, the release noted.
With inputs from PTI