Revanth Orders Closure of All RTA Interstate Check Posts
Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Wednesday directed immediate closure of all checkpoints operated by the transport ministry across Telangana, expressing displeasure with the authorities for not implementing the state Cabinet’s earlier decision in this regard on July 28.
The Prime Minister instructed officials to submit compliance reports confirming that RTA checkpoints were closed by 5pm on Wednesday, warning that further delays would not be tolerated. However, 15 interstate checkpoints along the state borders were closed on Wednesday.
This move is in line with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH)’s recommendation to all states to remove border checkpoints after the introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017; because VAHAN and SARATHI platforms now provide centralized online data on vehicles and drivers.
The central government’s directive aims to facilitate smoother inter-state movement of goods, improve ease of doing business and reduce transportation costs. While many states have already implemented this advisory, Telangana has continued its operations at checkpoints so far.
The closure orders come on the heels of the latest raids by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) three days ago, which unearthed a Rs 4.18 lakh bribe network operating across multiple Regional Transport Authority (RTA) checkpoints.
Based on intelligence information regarding large-scale extortions against truck drivers and transporters before Diwali, ACB teams carried out surprise raids on 12 RTA checkpoints on the intervening night of October 18-19.
Undisclosed cash and incriminating documents were seized during the raids, which focused on traffic-heavy border areas such as Adilabad, Kamareddy, Sangareddy and Khammam. Investigators uncovered that officials allegedly collected illegal payments through private agents without issuing receipts for fines or excessive penalties.
In Adilabad district alone, which covers Wankidi, Bhoraj and Bhainsa checkpoints, authorities recovered nearly Rs 1.34 lakh, underlining the vulnerability of border districts to corruption. Some Motor Vehicle Inspectors and MVI Deputies were interviewed at the scene. However, there have been no arrests so far.
Acting swiftly on the Prime Minister’s orders, the transport ministry issued instructions on Wednesday to implement the government’s decision without delay.
The transportation commissioner instructed officers to cease all activity at checkpoints and reassign staff to other department duties. District Transport Officers (DTOs) have been told to remove barricades, remove signboards and ensure free movement of vehicles across state borders.
All equipment, records and furniture at the checkpoints will be transferred to the relevant DTO offices, and all financial and administrative documents will be verified and stored.
The cabinet approved the closure of the checkpoints on July 30, and a month later, on August 29, Government Decree No. 58 was issued. However, the decision has not been implemented so far. Taking the inaction seriously, the Prime Minister ordered immediate sanctions by ordering that the removal process be videotaped and that the footage be added to the compliance report.
To ensure a smooth transition, the government announced that online systems will be strengthened for services such as temporary permits and motor vehicle tax payments. These facilities will be integrated with neighboring countries and made accessible with the updated VAHAN software, allowing vehicle owners to voluntarily pay taxes and obtain permits digitally.
