Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis laid the foundation stone for Parivahan Bhavan, the upcoming headquarters of the Motor Transport Department (RTO). Spanning approximately 12,800 square meters, the new building will feature a four-storey underground parking facility capable of accommodating 150 four-wheelers. The construction is expected to be completed within two and a half years.

The event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Minister for Skill, Employment, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Adv. Mangalprabhat Lodha, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Minister of State for Transport Madhuri Misal, Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) Sanjay Sethi, and Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanrao.

Speaking at the event, CM Fadnavis praised the Motor Transport Department’s efforts in enhancing road safety through modern technologies such as the Automatic Vehicle Inspection Center (ATS), Automatic Driver Testing Center (ADTT), and Integrated Traffic Management System (ITMS). He stressed the importance of public awareness and road discipline in reducing accidents.

Speaking during the occasion, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik highlighted the urgent need for a parking policy, particularly in traffic-heavy cities like Mumbai, Thane, and Pune.

He suggested that only vehicle owners with access to parking should be allowed to purchase new vehicles. CM Fadnavis assured full government support in developing this policy and promoting public parking systems in collaboration with municipal corporations.

Additionally, Fadnavis noted that due to the implementation of GST, border check posts have lost their relevance. He directed the Transport Department to submit proposals by April 15 to facilitate their closure and boost trade and goods transport in the state.

During the event, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced a new initiative to support rickshaw and taxi drivers in the unorganised sector. A dedicated corporation, named after the late Anand Dighe, will be established to provide financial assistance and welfare schemes.

At the event, CM Fadnavis honoured senior rickshaw and taxi drivers above the age of 65, including Babasaheb Kadam, Anant Kadam, Laxman Gole, Arun Shinalkar, and Purushottam Sahasrabuddhe, with an honourarium of Rs.10,000 and certificates of appreciation. The faceless service initiative of the Transport Department was also inaugurated.

Despite generating an annual revenue of Rs.15,000 crore for the state, the Transport Department had been operating from a rented building for 85 years. Under the leadership of Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, the decision to construct Parivahan Bhavan was finalised, and with persistent follow-ups, the long-awaited headquarters project has finally taken off.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony of Parivahan Bhavan marks a significant step in strengthening Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure, ensuring better facilities, and streamlining the department’s operations