Maharashtra RTO staff begin statewide strike over pending demands

The agitation will continue until the government addresses the union`s eight pending demands, the union said. Representational pic

Employees of Maharashtra's Motor Vehicles Department, under the banner of the RTO Employees' Union, Maharashtra, launched an indefinite statewide strike on Wednesday, pressing for the fulfilment of their long-pending demands.

The strike is expected to disrupt services at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state, including vehicle registration, issuance and renewal of driving licences, fitness certification, permit approvals, and other motor vehicle-related services. Citizens have been advised to check with their local RTO before visiting. The agitation will continue until the government addresses the union's eight pending demands.

Meeting with transport commissioner fails to avert indefinite strike

A meeting was held on Monday between Transport Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar and representatives of the employees' union.

"The commissioner presented the union with the minutes of a discussion held on June 3, 2026, with Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik and requested us to reconsider our decision to strike. However, the union found that the minutes showed the administration had effectively brushed aside the employees' core demands. With no concrete decision recorded on any of the eight key demands listed, the union resolved to go ahead with the indefinite strike as announced," union leader Surendra Sartape said.