MUMBAI: In a bid to enhance road safety and ensure the well-being of passengers, the state transport department of Maharashtra has introduced a stringent measure targeting auto rickshaws and private tourist buses operating without valid fitness certificates.
Effective immediately, violators will face a fine of ₹50 per day until they rectify the lapse. The move comes in response to concerns raised over the alarming number of vehicles, particularly auto rickshaws, plying the roads without undergoing mandatory fitness checks. According to sources within the transport department, an estimated 8-10% of auto rickshaws in Mumbai and the metropolitan region (MMR) are currently operating without valid fitness certificates, with some owners neglecting to renew them since 2016.
Fitness certificates play a crucial role in ensuring the roadworthiness of vehicles by subjecting them to thorough mechanical inspections. However, the lax enforcement of regulations has allowed a significant portion of vehicles to flout these requirements, posing serious risks to passenger safety. The decision to impose a daily fine of ₹50 aims to incentivise compliance with fitness certification requirements and hold permit holders accountable for maintaining the safety standards of their vehicles. While the move has faced opposition from certain quarters, including the Mumbai Auto Rickshaw-Taximen’s Union, transport authorities maintain that it is essential for promoting road safety and reducing the incidence of accidents caused by mechanically unfit vehicles.
The provision for imposing daily fines on vehicles lacking valid fitness certificates is rooted in Section 81 of the Motor Vehicles Act, which empowers authorities to penalise offenders for non-compliance. Despite legal challenges in the past, the transport department has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing this regulation, citing the imperative of safeguarding public safety. Transport experts have welcomed the initiative, asserting that it will instil a sense of responsibility among vehicle operators and contribute to overall improvements in passenger safety. As the enforcement of the fine takes effect, authorities are urging all stakeholders to ensure compliance with fitness certification requirements, thereby fostering a safer and more secure transportation ecosystem in Mumbai and beyond.
