Transport Sector in Chaos as Fitness Renewals Face Technical Glitch
The transport sector in Maharashtra is grappling with a significant disruption as the renewal process for fitness certificates of both pre-2015 and post-2015 registered vehicles has come to an abrupt halt. This breakdown, caused by a technical glitch in the system, has left thousands of commercial vehicles stranded across the state, creating a financial crisis for transporters and threatening the state’s overall supply chain.
According to sources within the Transport Department, the glitch has been ongoing for several days, impacting both new and older vehicles alike. A senior official from the department explained, “We have been in talks with the concerned authorities, and while the matter is being looked into, no penalties will be imposed on transporters during this period.” The Federation of Bombay Motor Transport Operators (FBMTO), representing the interests of transporters, has raised alarm over the delays, which have persisted for over 10 days. The federation has warned that if the issue is not addressed promptly, it will have severe consequences not only for the transport industry but also for the broader economy.
Transporters are being forced to operate without renewed fitness certificates, putting them in a legally precarious position. A significant part of the problem lies in recent circulars that have created confusion surrounding the procurement of speed-limiting devices (SLDs). These devices are a mandatory part of the fitness certificate renewal process for vehicles registered before October 1, 2015. However, confusion around the new requirements has left many vehicles stuck in bureaucratic limbo. Moreover, the situation has worsened for vehicles registered after 2015, which come factory-fitted with speed-limiting devices. Despite these devices being in full compliance with previous regulations, transporters are now being asked to procure new ones, adding unnecessary financial strain.
Bal Malkit Singh, former president of the All India Motor Transport Congress and an advisor to FBMTO, expressed his frustration, stating, “A crucial meeting was held under the chairmanship of Additional Transport Commissioner Bharat Kaleshkar, where we presented the industry’s concerns. Authorities assured us that the issue would be resolved soon, but it remains unresolved.” Singh urged the Transport Department to expedite the process and resume the renewal of fitness certificates. “The transport sector is on the brink of a full-scale crisis, and the authorities must take immediate action to prevent further damage to the economy,” he added. The situation underscores the need for smoother administrative processes and more efficient systems, as the ongoing disruption continues to take a toll on the transport industry’s operations and profitability.
