05 January,2026 08:14 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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In view of BMC Election 2026, the Regional Transport Office (RTO), Mumbai (Central), will remain closed on January 14 and 15. As per the statement issued by the transport department, during this period, no routine work will be carried out at the RTO.
As per orders of the State Election Commission, election authorities have been empowered to requisition staff, premises and vehicles required for the conduct of panchayat and municipal elections. In line with these directives, the Deputy Election Officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has requisitioned the RTO Mumbai (Central) building and premises for two days to facilitate smooth polling scheduled on January 15, 2026.
The transport department also clarified that the RTO premises will be used for election-related arrangements, including administrative and logistical support, making it necessary to suspend all regular operations during this period.
The regional transport department also asserted that all services and operations at the RTO Mumbai (Central) will remain completely suspended on January 14 and 15. The department has also advised citizens to take note of this and reschedule their work related to RTO services for alternative dates.
The Maharashtra Transport Minister and chairman of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC), Pratap Sarnaik, on Sunday issued a strict advisory to the officials, directing them to immediately expedite the tender process to induct 8,000 new buses into the ST fleet by the end of 2026.
The Maharashtra Transport Minister further stated that any delay in the process will invite strict action, with concerned officers being held personally accountable.
While speaking at a high-level review meeting on the utilisation of MSRTC's budgetary funds for the financial year 2025-26, Sarnaik also pointed out various developments in Maharashtra's transportation. The meeting was attended by MSRTC Vice-Chairman and Managing Director Dr Madhav Kusekar and other senior officials from various departments.
Sarnaik also stressed that the funds originate from taxpayers' money and must be utilised for improving basic passenger amenities, including the procurement of new buses and the construction, repair, and renovation of bus stations.
He Sarnaik also noted that tender processes related to bus purchases and infrastructure works have been stalled for nearly nine months, leading to underutilisation of funds.
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