The Maharashtra Motor Transport Department is set to permanently close all its border check posts across the state, marking a major shift towards a paperless and technology-driven transport system. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Sunday that the report for the closure has been submitted to the Chief Minister for final approval.
The move comes after Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, earlier this year, instructed the department to present a detailed report regarding the closing these check posts, which have been in place since 1966. According to Sarnaik, closure is in line with directives from the central government and follows the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system, which has reduced the need for such physical inspections.
"The primary objective behind this decision is to streamline interstate transportation and eliminate barriers for the movement of commercial vehicles," said Minister Sarnaik. He noted that with the advent of digital monitoring and GST, the necessity of manual check posts had become obsolete.
The check posts were originally established to regulate vehicle movement, ensure compliance with transport rules, and collect road taxes. However, with advancements in digital systems, including e-surveillance, the Maharashtra government believes physical inspections are no longer needed.
Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, had previously recommended the closure of these posts, aligning with the central government's push for a more efficient and transparent transport system. Furthermore, Maharashtra’s Transport Union had long advocated for the closure, citing the cumbersome delays and corruption associated with the existing check post system.
A committee led by the Transport Commissioner conducted an extensive analysis of the proposed closure, and based on its report, the state government concluded that the transition to an online system would greatly improve efficiency, reduce delays, and curb malpractices in the transport sector.
Once the report is approved, the check posts will be officially closed, allowing for smoother interstate transportation and improved road safety. The closure is expected to benefit transporters and businesses by reducing costs and delays. In addition, Maharashtra will join 18 other states in adopting a more modern and efficient system.
The decision will also impact the Adani Pvt. Ltd. company, which had been overseeing the "Integrated Check Post" project. The company, under its contractual agreement, will receive a compensation of ₹504 crore for the shutdown of the check posts. Once this compensation is paid, the transport department will take ownership of the infrastructure and technology used at the check posts.
Bal Malkit Singh, Advisor and Former President of the All India Motor Transport Congress, expressed his support for the decision. “We welcome this long-awaited and much-needed move by the Maharashtra Government. The closure of the RTO border check posts will significantly benefit the road transport sector, reduce corruption, and align with the central government's vision of 'Ease of Doing Business."
