Transport Minister Announces Tough Action Against Private Buses Carrying Illegal Parcels, Repeat Offenders to Face Permit Cancellation
Mumbai, 23rd June 2026: The Maharashtra government has decided to take stringent action against private passenger and luxury buses found illegally transporting courier parcels and commercial goods, announcing that permits of repeat offenders will be cancelled after multiple violations.
The decision was announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik in the Assembly while replying to a question raised by Chinchwad MLA Shankar Jagtap.
Under Section 86 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Regional Transport Office (RTO) officials have been directed to suspend permits for the first three offences and permanently cancel permits on the fourth violation.
Jagtap said, private buses are frequently used to transport commercial goods and heavy parcels in luggage compartments as well as on rooftops, often beyond the permitted capacity. He pointed out that such practices put excessive strain on a vehicle’s braking system, tyres and suspension, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly on ghat roads and long-distance routes.
Speaking in the Assembly, Jagtap said that despite repeated enforcement drives and penalties, the practice continued unabated, posing a serious threat to passenger safety.
Sarnaik said the Transport Department has prepared an action plan to deal with habitual offenders. Under the new framework, permits will be suspended for seven to ten days for the first offence, 10 to 15 days for the second offence, and 15 to 30 days for the third offence. A fourth violation will result in permanent cancellation of the permit.
The minister said the move was aimed at ensuring stricter compliance with transport regulations and discouraging operators from treating penalties as a routine business expense.
Meanwhile, RTO flying squads have intensified enforcement against buses engaged in illegal goods transportation. According to data provided by the Transport Department, action has been taken against 1,00,848 vehicles so far, including 5,728 repeat offenders. Authorities have recovered fines amounting to Rs 4.61 crore from these vehicles.
Between April 1 and May 31 this year alone, action was taken against 1,454 buses, resulting in penalties of Rs 78.18 lakh. Overall, 7,182 buses have faced punitive action, with total fines collected touching Rs 5.39 crore.
Welcoming the government’s decision, Jagtap said repeated offenders had continued violating norms despite paying fines. He said the provision for permit suspension and eventual cancellation would act as a strong deterrent and help make travel safer for passengers.
