No permanent testing tracks at RTOs despite Bombay high court directive

In February 2016, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Pune resident Shrikant Karve, the HC had directed MMVD to make available 250-metres-long test tracks at every RTO. According to RTO officers, currently, Tardeo and Wadala RTOs send vehicles from their jurisdiction to Navi Mumbai for fitness tests, while vehicles from Andheri and Borivli RTOs are sent to the Aarey track.

Three years after a directive by the Bombay high court (HC), the four Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Mumbai are still awaiting 250-metre-long permanent test tracks to hold fitness tests of vehicles.

Three years after a directive by the Bombay high court (HC), the four Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Mumbai are still awaiting 250-metre-long permanent test tracks to hold fitness tests of vehicles. (HT File Photo)

“Barring four RTO offices in Mumbai, we have permanent test tracks ready at all other 46 RTO offices, including an automated test track at Nashik,” said a senior official of Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department (MMVD).

In February 2016, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Pune resident Shrikant Karve, the HC had directed MMVD to make available 250-metres-long test tracks at every RTO. According to RTO officers, currently, Tardeo and Wadala RTOs send vehicles from their jurisdiction to Navi Mumbai for fitness tests, while vehicles from Andheri and Borivli RTOs are sent to the Aarey track.

After MMVD had approached the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST), the latter has allowed the Tardeo and Wadala RTOs to hold fitness tests inside its depots. But problems arose over charging vehicle owners for using the track. The issue is pending with the government.

RTO officers said they approached district collectors to get plots for the tracks, but such big government plots are unavailable in the city and suburbs. So the MMVD proposed an automated fitness testing centre at the Kurla depot of BEST. The corporation has already floated tenders to set it up. “It is expected to cost around ₹14 crore. If it proves successful, it can be replicated at other RTOs,” the officer said.