Thane Transport Crisis: Operators Protest At RTO Over 45-Day Vehicle Fitness Testing Disruption

Thane, October 19, 2026 - Commercial vehicle operators in Thane district staged a protest at the Thane Regional Transport Office (RTO) on Monday, highlighting a 45-day disruption in vehicle fitness testing processes. The Thane District Truck, Tempo, Tanker, and Bus Transport Service Union led the demonstration, claiming that local fitness testing centres have remained closed for the specified period, leaving thousands of commercial vehicles without mandatory compliance certificates.

Union leaders emphasized the financial burden faced by operators due to ongoing operational costs despite the halt in testing procedures. The union has made it clear that they seek two critical demands: the reopening of local testing centres and the activation of the Automated Testing Station (ATS) in Kalyan for fitness checks. Protest participants included union president Vijay Yadav, vice-president Ramdas Wadhwane, secretary Santosh Dangare, and other officials.

They urged the administration to take immediate action to restore the certification workflow, ensuring smooth operations for commercial vehicles on the roads.