Mumbai: Borivli RTO Resumes Land Search After MTNL Proposal Stalls, Seeks 11–12 Acres For Testing Tracks

Mumbai, September 9, 2026 - The search for a permanent site for the Borivli Regional Transport Office (RTO) has restarted following the cancellation of a proposal to lease land from MTNL in Dahisar East. This development reopens the discussion on relocating the office, which is currently operating from rented premises at Kandarpada, Dahisar West.

The RTO needs around 11 to 12 acres of land to accommodate both the office and dedicated driving and vehicle fitness test tracks. The lease for the existing rented space in Dahisar West expired on March 31, 2025, prompting the search for an alternative location. An earlier proposal to rent 12,300 sq ft of space in an MTNL building near Dahisar check naka was approved, including a monthly rent of Rs 26.58 lakh, but halted when MTNL announced plans to auction its properties nationwide in April.

Safety concerns arise as the current testing area is located in a residential neighborhood, posing risks to residents, pedestrians, and road users. The RTO requires more than office space; it needs dedicated tracks for driving and fitness tests, raising questions about the feasibility of finding a suitable site within three to four kilometers of its current premises.

The search has expanded to nearby areas such as Kandivli, Dahisar, and Gorai. While a four-acre site in Aarey was considered earlier, it was deemed too small and lacked necessary construction permissions. The administration is now exploring larger options to ensure the RTO's future needs are met without imposing undue travel distances on citizens.