Now, Borivali and Vasai RTO offices to get upgraded, work independently

As per a GR issued by the Maharashtra government last week, a total of nine RTOs will be enhanced across Maharashtra.

It has come to light that two RTO offices in Mumbai region – Borivali and Vasai – will be upgraded soon. This upgradation would mean benefits for local citizens arriving at the RTO or availing services, such as those related to driving licences and vehicles. These offices were previously headed by a deputy RTO.

Explaining further, a senior official stated that the regional transport officer will have powers to make decisions for infrastructure development, will be given more funds and also manpower to run the RTO efficiently. Also, Borivali RTO will no longer report to Andheri and will have independent functioning, as will Vasai RTO, which earlier came under Thane RTO.

The RTO boss will also be able to provide more citizen-friendly facilities, make proposals for independent automated driving test tracks, fitness centres for commercial vehicles etc.

The need to give them more powers was based on the rising vehicle and human population in these regions in recent years, sources said. With this, the number of RTOs in the state has increased to 24 from the existing 15, and the offices headed by deputy RTOs have come down to 27 from 36, said an official.

Apart from this, several past vacancies are now likely to be filled up, with the RTOs also getting powers to fill up some of the junior posts through outsourcing. Moreover, several officers are waiting to be promoted. But this has not happened for several months.