Pune RTO’s intensified inspections in 2024-25 led to a drop in contract bus violations, with recoveries falling to ₹172.86 lakh in 2025 from ₹333.83 lakh the prior year
Pune RTO Reports Improved Compliance in Contract Bus Operations
The Pune Regional Transport Office (RTO) has released new enforcement data showing increased compliance in the contract bus segment over the last three years. From April to December 2025, the RTO inspected 4,330 contract buses and recovered ₹172.86 lakh. This amount is significantly lower than in previous years, indicating better adherence to permit conditions, tax norms, and safety regulations by operators after a year of strict monitoring.
Inspection and Recovery Data
| Year | Buses Inspected | Amount Recovered (₹) |
|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 4,476 | 334.86 lakh |
| 2024-25 | 12,051 | 333.83 lakh |
| 2025 | 4,330 | 172.86 lakh |
According to the RTO, the enforcement drive peaked in 2024-25, with inspections of 12,051 contract buses, nearly three times higher than the previous year. This crackdown led to recoveries of ₹333.83 lakh, highlighting widespread violations related to permits, taxation, and operational norms. In 2023-24, the RTO inspected 4,476 buses and recovered ₹334.86 lakh, showing that fewer inspections still uncovered significant violations.
The violations found during inspections included operating beyond permit conditions, such as unauthorized routes and carrying passengers without valid contracts. Other issues included non-payment or short payment of motor vehicle tax, overloading, expired fitness certificates, invalid insurance, and missing documents. Inspectors also noted safety lapses like faulty brakes and worn-out tyres. Some buses were found picking up and dropping passengers like stage carriages, which is against contract carriage rules, leading to strict penalties from the Pune RTO.
Deputy Regional Transport Officer Swapnil Bhosale explained the trend, stating, “We intensified inspections to send a clear message that permit violations, tax evasion, and unsafe operations will not be tolerated. The reduced figures in 2025 show that sustained enforcement works as a deterrent and improves overall compliance. The RTO will continue surprise checks and document verification drives to ensure standards are maintained. Our aim is road safety and lawful transport operations, not just penalties.”
Bus operators have noted that stricter checks have changed their operating behavior. Contract bus operator Milind Padhye said, “Earlier, inspections were occasional but last year, the checks were frequent and thorough. Now operators are more careful about permits, fitness certificates, and taxes because the risk of action is high. While compliance has increased operating costs, it has also brought more discipline to the sector.”
