The transport sector in Maharashtra is facing a severe disruption as the renewal process for fitness certificates for both pre-2015 and post-2015 registered vehicles has come to a complete halt.
This unexpected technical glitch in the system has left thousands of commercial vehicles stranded, causing significant financial losses for transporters and threatening the state’s supply chain.
According to a senior official from the transport department, the issue is due to a “technical glitch” that has been plaguing the system for several days. “The matter has been discussed with the concerned authorities, and the issue will be resolved soon. Additionally, no penalty will be imposed on any transporters during this period,” the official confirmed.
The Federation of Bombay Motor Transport Operators (FBMTO) has been raising alarms over the ongoing delays for the past 10–12 days, emphasizing the grave consequences for the transport industry and the broader economy if the situation is not addressed promptly.
The disruptions have already led to mounting financial strains for transporters, with vehicles unable to renew their fitness certificates and continuing to operate illegally.
For vehicles registered before October 1, 2015, speed-limiting devices (SLDs) had been previously procured from approved vendors, inspected, and certified as part of the regular fitness renewal process.
However, recent circulars have introduced confusion, halting the renewal of fitness certificates and leaving the transporters caught in a bureaucratic limbo.
The situation has escalated further to include vehicles registered after 2015, which are factory-fitted with in-built speed-limiting devices. Transporters are now being forced to procure new devices despite the fact that the existing ones, which were certified by authorities, should suffice.
This has placed an unnecessary financial burden on the transport industry, further complicating the situation.
Bal Malkit Singh, former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress and advisor to the FBMTO, voiced his concerns. “A crucial meeting was held on Wednesday under the Chairmanship of Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kaleshkar, with the participation of FBMTO representatives and approved vendors.
We firmly presented the concerns of the transport industry and emphasized the need for an immediate resolution. The authorities have assured us that they will address the issue as soon as possible,” Singh said.
In light of the growing crisis, Singh urged the Transport Department to act swiftly. “We urge the Transport Department to take immediate action and resume fitness renewals to avoid further disruptions to the transport sector and the overall economy,” he added.
