Pune Transporters Protest E-Challan Policy; Passenger Buses, Trucks to Suspend Operations from Today

Pune, 5th March 2026: Transport services in the city are expected to be disrupted from Thursday after several transporters announced a halt to operations in protest against the e-challan enforcement rules. According to transport associations, passenger buses, office staff transport vehicles and goods trucks will stay off the roads as part of the agitation, while autorickshaws and taxis will continue operating.

School bus and van operators are unlikely to join the protest as examinations are currently underway. Operators said participation in the strike could significantly inconvenience students appearing for exams.

Transport unions have raised objections to a provision linked to the e-challan system under which a driver’s licence may be suspended if a challan remains unpaid for 45 days. Transporters claim the provision is unjust and have alleged that the state government has not taken adequate steps to address their concerns.

Kiran Desai, working president of the Pune Bus and Car Owners Association, said members would symbolically surrender their vehicles to authorities on Thursday. “If there is no concrete outcome, we are prepared to launch an indefinite strike. Similar protests are being held in other parts of Maharashtra. We have met the state transport minister, Pratap Sarnaik, who acknowledged our concerns but no immediate solution has been provided. We will stage a protest outside the collector’s office and hand over our vehicles to the administration,” Desai said.

Baba Shinde, president of the Maharashtra State Vahan Chalak Malak Pratinidhi Mahasangh, said the state government has the option of postponing the implementation of the rule and initiating discussions with the Centre. “That has not happened so far. Under the Motor Vehicles Act, if an e-challan is not produced before a court within 90 days, it becomes invalid,” Shinde said.

The matter was also raised in the state assembly on Wednesday. MLA Amin Patel urged the government to intervene and address the concerns of transport operators. In response, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said he understood the concerns raised by transporters and had directed officials to examine the legal aspects of the rule to find a solution.

Government officials have meanwhile appealed to transport unions to allow more time, especially with the state budget scheduled to be presented on Friday.

Nitin Pawar, general secretary of Rickshaw Panchayat, and Keshav Kshirsagar, president of Baghtoy Rickshawala, expressed support for the protest but clarified that autorickshaw drivers would not participate in the strike.