Mumbai: In a significant relief to the tourist transport sector, the Maharashtra Transport Commissioner has directed that no challans or parking violations be issued against All India Tourist Permit (AITP) buses while picking up or dropping off passengers, as long as the stop is limited to the time required for boarding or alighting.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting held on July 2, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Hon’ble Minister for Transport, Government of Maharashtra, in Mumbai. During the meeting, transport unions raised concerns regarding harassment faced by AITP bus operators due to challans issued by the police and transport departments at pick-up and drop-off points — locations essential for passenger facilitation.
The issue was reviewed in the context of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notification G.S.R. 302(E) dated April 18, 2023, particularly Rule 13, which exempts All India Tourist Permit vehicles from conditions laid out in Rules 82 to 85(A) of the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989.
Following this clarification, Transport Commissioner Vivek Bhimanwar has officially directed enforcement authorities not to penalize AITP buses during the process of passenger pick-up and drop-off.
Key Highlights:
- No parking challans for AITP buses during short stops for boarding or alighting passengers.
- Rule 13 of MoRTH notification G.S.R. 302(E) grants exemption from certain parking-related conditions.
- Decision welcomed by transport unions aiming to prevent undue harassment of tourist bus operators.
This move is expected to streamline tourist bus operations across Maharashtra, ensuring smoother and hassle-free travel experiences while also reducing unnecessary financial burdens on operators.
