Representative of motor transport operators nationwide – the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) – has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the elimination of Regional Transport Office (RTO) check posts, particularly at state borders. According to the AIMTC, check posts, especially in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Karnataka, have been marred by high levels of corruption and exploitation.
In a formal communication to the Prime Minister, AIMTC underscores the critical importance of implementing the National Logistics Policy and aligning with the broader vision of ‘Digital Push,’ ‘Make in India,’ and ‘Ease of Doing Business.’ AIMTC envisions these policies as instrumental in reducing logistics costs, propelling India into a global manufacturing hub, and bolstering economic growth.
To that end, in their letter to the PM, the AIMTC condemned the unchecked conduct at border RTO check posts, which has an adverse impact on the transport industry, particularly vulnerable and economically disadvantaged truckers. They cited that these check posts have become obsolete and unlawful, especially in the context of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), National Logistics Policy, and PM Gatishakti initiatives. AIMTC reports widespread corruption, harassment, extortion, and exploitation at these locations.
In addition, AIMTC points out that the continued existence of RTO check posts at state borders contradicts the fundamental premise of the GST law, which aims to ensure the smooth and corruption-free movement of transport vehicles, minimize logistics costs, protect the environment, and prevent fuel wastage. Unfortunately, the influence of the RTO lobby has negated these intended benefits.
Given advancements in technology and the availability of online document validation tools, AIMTC calls for a reduction in on-road inspections and emphasizes the need to abolish border check posts, eliminate human interference on national/state highways, and remove roadblocks and bottlenecks. This approach would lead to reduced fuel wastage, waiting times, inspection-related delays, and overall expenses, ultimately promoting time and cost efficiency and improving the ease of doing business.
AIMTC’s letter to the Prime Minister highlights the states where border check posts remain operational, despite ongoing exploitation of truckers by RTOs/DTOs or their agents. They earnestly request the Prime Minister’s intervention to mandate the immediate abolition of redundant, regressive, and exploitative border checkposts. The organization expresses confidence that proactive measures can eradicate corruption, fostering an environment conducive to the transport industry’s growth, all while upholding the ideals of GST and Ease of Doing Business.
