Mumbai: In a major crackdown on illegal transport operations and unauthorised parking around State Transport (ST) bus stations, authorities across Maharashtra penalised 8,839 vehicles and collected Rs 1.65 crore in fines during a special enforcement drive conducted between July 1 and July 20, an official announced on Tuesday.The statewide operation was carried out jointly by the MSRTC, the police department and Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). The drive aimed to free ST bus station premises from illegal transport activities and improve passenger safety.According to official figures, enforcement teams recovered ₹1.65 crore (₹1,65,21,315) in penalties from violators and seized 195 vehicles found flouting transport and parking regulations.MSRTC bus stations serve as vital transport hubs for millions of passengers every day. However, unauthorised parking, illegal passenger transport services and traffic indiscipline around depots have long caused congestion and inconvenience to commuters. Officials said the situation often posed safety risks, particularly for senior citizens, women, students and persons with disabilities.The joint enforcement campaign has helped improve traffic discipline around bus stations and created a safer and more organised environment for passengers, officials said. The authorities believe the operation has significantly reduced obstruction caused by illegally parked vehicles and unauthorised transport operators.MSRTC chairman Pratap Sarnaik said maintaining passenger safety and order in bus station areas remains the government’s top priority. He added that similar joint enforcement drives would continue regularly and on a larger scale to permanently curb illegal parking and unauthorised transport operations near ST depots. MSRTC has appealed to vehicle owners to cooperate with the campaign by parking only in designated authorised areas and adhering to traffic regulations around bus stations. The corporation said sustained enforcement and public cooperation would be key to ensuring safer and more commuter-friendly transport hubs across the state.
