RTO
The probe comes on the heels of the recent fare revision, which hiked auto-rickshaw fares by one rupee and taxi fares by Rs 2. Transport authorities have set a strict deadline of Nov 30 for all operators to recalibrate their electronic meters to reflect the updated tariff structure. Mumbai: Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have launched a crackdown on widespread irregularities surrounding the table testing of autorickshaw and taxi meters, following reports that fake stamps and fraudulent clearance processes are being used to fast-track meter recalibrations. Sources in the transport department revealed that several drivers and touts are allegedly circumventing mandatory physical testing by obtaining counterfeit certification stamps without undergoing legitimate bench calibration. Transport offices have been asked to instruct all authorised testing centres to comply with the updated norms immediately. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
Any irregularity in table tests would result in meters being rigged and running fast, and commuters being fleeced with inflated fares, an official said, adding that this was a serious issue. “We have received specific reports of drivers procuring fake table test certificates and stamps to bypass official channels. Strict action will be taken against those involved, and drivers found using forged certificates will face criminal prosecution,” a senior transport official warned. To plug these loopholes and curb inter-jurisdictional fraud, the Maharashtra Transport Commissionerate has issued a stern administrative directive enforcing strict territorial compliance. Under the new guidelines, taxi and auto meter table testing and subsequent certificate issuance must strictly occur at authorised testing centres located within the specific RTO jurisdiction where the vehicle is registered. In an official circular issued by additional transport commissioner Ravi Gaikwad, RTOs have been directed to reject any meter testing certificates originating from centres operating outside a vehicle’s home territory. The directive has been issued to transport offices across Mumbai Central, Western and Eastern zones, as well as Thane, Panvel, Borivali, Vasai, Mira Bhayander, Kalyan, Navi Mumbai and Pen. Download the TOI App.