Maharashtra Cracks Down On Illegal Passenger Traffic, Minister Orders Strict Action

· Free Press Journal

With illegal passenger traffic on the rise across Maharashtra, the state government has stepped up its response. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik chaired a high level review meeting with officials from the Motor Transport Department and the State Transport Corporation, flagging serious gaps in enforcement and coordination.

A one-month report presented at the meeting revealed that illegal transport operations continue to run unchecked in several parts of the state, raising concerns about passenger safety and revenue loss.

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Gaps in enforcement and coordination

Officials admitted that the expected level of action was not being carried out on the ground. A key issue highlighted was the lack of coordination between the State Transport body and Regional Transport Offices, which has weakened enforcement efforts.

The review also brought to light the misuse of vehicles meant for enforcement. In some instances, these vehicles were reportedly being used for personal purposes, further hampering action against illegal operators.

Resource shortage and weak monitoring

Another major concern was the shortage of resources. Out of 59 regional and sub regional transport offices, only 20 had been provided with adequate vehicles and manpower. This shortage has limited the ability of authorities to conduct regular checks and enforcement drives.

Despite clear instructions to submit action reports every 10 days, compliance has been poor. The minister expressed displeasure over superficial action in some areas and the lack of consistent reporting.

Strict directions and accountability measures

Sarnaik has now directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure that enforcement vehicles are used strictly for official purposes. He has also instructed the State Transport body to immediately equip all 59 offices with necessary resources.

Going forward, every joint action will require photo and written documentation. The use of GPS tracking and digital reporting will be introduced to improve transparency. Officials failing to act or attempting to evade responsibility will face disciplinary action.

The minister said these measures are aimed at bringing tighter control over illegal passenger traffic and restoring accountability within the system.

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