Maharashtra: RTO to Digitise Bus Operations, Track Routes, Drivers and Fitness

The state transport department (RTO) has proposed the creation of a “Digital Bus Portal” to strengthen monitoring of private bus services, especially in the wake of rising road accidents. The initiative, to be financed through the Road Safety Fund, aims to consolidate all registered private buses onto a unified digital platform. This system will allow authorities to access real-time information on routes, vehicle fitness certificates, driver credentials and duty hours. By centralising such critical data, officials intend to enhance regulatory control and ensure better compliance, ultimately improving passenger safety and reducing the risk of accidents on state roads.

Authorities have raised concerns over inconsistencies in existing permit and operator records, which often hamper effective monitoring. At present, permits are typically issued to institutions, companies or trusts, but the actual operation of buses is frequently handled by different entities. This mismatch results in outdated or incomplete data, making it difficult for officials to track accountability and enforce regulations. According to transport department sources, this disconnect has played a role in several road mishaps, highlighting the urgent need for a streamlined and transparent system to bridge the information gap.

Under the proposed portal, permit holders will be mandated to regularly upload detailed information for each bus, including trip schedules, designated routes, vehicle fitness status, driver licence details and working hours. The system will be designed to automatically flag any irregularities, such as route deviations, unexpected schedule changes or drivers exceeding permitted duty hours. Additionally, the department is exploring the integration of GPS technology, which would enable real-time tracking of bus location and speed, offering both administrators and passengers improved visibility and safety assurance.

Officials stated that the Digital Bus Portal is expected to significantly improve transparency, accountability and operational efficiency in the private bus sector. Preparatory steps for its implementation have already begun, signalling the department’s commitment to strengthening road safety measures. Key features of the portal will include a comprehensive digital database of all private buses in the state, online updates of fitness certificates, detailed route and permit information, driver licence records and duty hour tracking. The system will also generate automatic alerts for violations and may incorporate GPS-based live tracking for enhanced monitoring.