Nagpur: In a decisive action against illegal passenger transport operations that have been eating into the revenue of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), the security and vigilance wing of the Nagpur Division, in coordination with traffic police teams, penalised 51 private vehicles during a special enforcement drive on Saturday. These vehicles were found illegally parked within the prohibited 200-metre radius of bus stations across the district.
Drive Conducted at Multiple Locations
The enforcement action was carried out at Ganeshpeth, Morbhavan, Kondhali, and Katol bus stations. It triggered panic among illegal passenger vehicle operators, many of whom allegedly solicit passengers outside ST depots, impacting both corporation revenue and commuter safety.
Highest Violations at Morbhavan Bus Stand
According to officials, the highest number of violations were recorded at Morbhavan Bus Stand, where 19 vehicles were fined. This was followed by 13 vehicles each at Ganeshpeth and Katol bus stands, while six vehicles faced action at Kondhali bus station. In addition to parking violations, four private travel vehicles were also booked for illegal passenger transport operations.
Impact of Illegal Operations
Authorities stated that illegal passenger vehicles often crowd the entry and exit points of bus stations, aggressively approach commuters, and obstruct the movement of ST buses. They also divert passengers away from government-run transport services, causing significant revenue loss for MSRTC.
Expansion of Campaign Planned
Officials added that the campaign will soon be expanded to cover all 20 major bus stations in the Nagpur division, with support from regional transport officers and depot managers. More surprise inspections and coordinated drives are expected in the coming days as authorities aim to tighten the noose around illegal passenger transport networks operating near ST depots, sources revealed.
Part of State-Wide Campaign
The drive is part of a state-wide special campaign launched from June 5 to June 15, following repeated concerns raised by MSRTC chairman and transport minister Pratap Sarnaik regarding mounting revenue losses due to unauthorised passenger transport services operating around bus stations. The campaign is being conducted under directives issued by Priyanka Naranware, chief security and vigilance officer and deputy inspector general of police, with a focus on strict implementation of the 200-metre ‘No Parking Zone' around ST depots.
Leadership and Participation
The joint enforcement teams functioned under the guidance of Dhammaratna Dongre, senior security and vigilance officer, Nagpur region. Officials from the security and vigilance department, city traffic police, and local police stations actively participated in the operation.
