Maharashtra’s transport sector is once again bracing for unrest, as transporters have threatened a state-wide chakka jam (road blockade) on September 11, protesting the unresolved issues surrounding the e-challan system.
The decision was taken at a high-level meeting of the All Maharashtra Vehicle Owners’ Association, held in Vashi on Monday. The meeting saw the participation of hundreds of vehicle owners, including school bus owner's and operators, who voiced strong discontent over what they call an “unfair and opaque” e-challan process.
“All transporters — including school buses — will participate in the chakka jam if our concerns are not addressed,” warned Anil Garg, Chairman of the Bus Owners’ Association.
The e-challan system, introduced to automate traffic enforcement and fine collection, has been under fire for months. Transporters allege that the system suffers from a lack of transparency, frequent technical glitches, and arbitrary penalties — all of which are impacting their daily operations and financial stability.
“Despite repeated assurances from the government, no concrete steps have been taken to resolve these issues,” said one of the transporters present at the meeting. “The current system is creating operational hurdles and pushing transporters into financial stress.”
Earlier, Maharashtra State Government had constituted a high-level committee in early July to engage with stakeholders and suggest reforms. Headed by the State Transport Commissioner, with the Joint Transport Commissioner (Enforcement-2) serving as the Member Secretary, the committee also includes representatives from key government departments and transporter unions.
The panel was directed to submit its report within a month. However, with no report released publicly to date, transporters say their patience is wearing thin.
“The government’s silence is only fuelling frustration. If this continues, we will have no choice but to escalate the protest,” said another vehicle owner.
