Is the Maha Government Launching an Amnesty Scheme to Clear Pending Transport Fines?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Maharashtra government is poised to launch an Amnesty Scheme designed to facilitate the one-time settlement of long-standing transport fines. With outstanding dues reaching an alarming Rs 2,500 crore, this initiative could significantly aid the state's revenue generation while offering relief to vehicle owners across the region.
Key Takeaways
- Maharashtra's Amnesty Scheme aims at settling transport fines.
- Estimated outstanding dues amount to Rs 2,500 crore.
- Relief expected for vehicle owners across the state.
- Potential for 75% fine waivers with timely payments.
- Government aims to promote eco-friendly transportation initiatives.
Mumbai, Aug 18 (NationPress) The Maharashtra government is preparing to introduce an Amnesty Scheme aimed at providing a one-time settlement for long-overdue fines resulting from breaches of transport regulations. The total outstanding dues are projected to be approximately Rs 2,500 crore, with Rs 1,000 crore attributed to Mumbai and Rs 1,500 crore for the remainder of the state.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has confirmed this initiative, stating, “The department is not contemplating a total waiver of fines. Instead, the focus is on recovering a portion of the outstanding amounts while writing off the rest. A final decision will be made following discussions with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Department sources have indicated that owners of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and heavy vehicles stand to benefit from this government initiative. This effort is also anticipated to assist the financially challenged state government in generating additional revenue to support popular programs such as the Ladki Bahin Yojana.
Reports suggest that the pending fines in Mumbai from 2020 amount to Rs 1,817 crore, out of which the department has recouped Rs 817 crore, leaving an outstanding debt of Rs 1,000 crore. In the rest of Maharashtra, the dues remain at Rs 1,500 crore.
The Transport Commissioner, Vivek Bhimanwar, has submitted the Amnesty Scheme proposal for a one-time settlement to the Transport Secretary. The proposal suggests a 75% waiver on fines for two and three-wheeler owners who pay 25% of their dues immediately. Furthermore, if vehicle owners clear their dues within 15 days, a 50% waiver may be granted. The government aims to recover between 50% to 75% of the dues through this settlement.
Additionally, the transport department is in the process of creating a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the enforcement of fines on vehicle owners. This is crucial as, while the transport department sets the fine amounts, the implementation is carried out by police officers responsible for traffic management.
The department has identified friction arising from the arbitrary imposition of fines, leading to the development of the SOP to clarify the authority of police personnel in fine recovery.
This initiative coincides with the state government’s introduction of various measures aimed at promoting environmentally sustainable transportation. The goal is to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles, targeting 10% of all vehicles on the road to be electric by the end of 2025.
The government has also announced a toll tax exemption for electric vehicle owners to further encourage the use of eco-friendly transportation.
(Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Point of View
I believe the Maharashtra government's proposed Amnesty Scheme reflects a pragmatic approach to addressing significant transport fines. While the initiative offers financial relief to vehicle owners, it also serves the dual purpose of increasing state revenue—an essential aspect for funding various public welfare programs. This balanced strategy could foster goodwill among citizens while ensuring the government can meet its fiscal responsibilities.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Amnesty Scheme introduced by the Maharashtra government?
The Amnesty Scheme is a one-time settlement initiative aimed at clearing long-pending transport fines imposed for rule violations.
How much are the outstanding transport fines in Maharashtra?
The total outstanding fines are estimated at around Rs 2,500 crore.
Who will benefit from the Amnesty Scheme?
Owners of two-wheelers, three-wheelers, four-wheelers, and heavy vehicles are expected to benefit from this scheme.
What discounts are offered under the Amnesty Scheme?
The scheme proposes waiving up to 75% of fines for those who pay a part of their dues upfront, with further discounts for timely payments.
What is the government’s goal with this initiative?
The goal is to recover a significant portion of outstanding fines while generating additional revenue for public welfare programs.
