State transport bus stands and depots across the state will now have police check posts (chowkies), Maharashtra Transport Minister Diwakar Raote announced on Monday while also warning private bus operators against ferrying illegal parcels. Such activity might lead to suspension of their licences and transport permits immediately with even stricter actions like confiscation of buses on the spot, Raote said in a meeting on security in public and private transport buses.

This comes days after a detonator and other material used for making crude bombs were found in a state transport (ST) bus in Raigad district. The government is also considering making CCTV cameras inside private buses mandatory. State transport bus drivers and conductors too will face action if found ferrying unauthorised parcels or luggage in the buses, Raote said, adding, "Drivers and conductors found participating in such activities would be shunted out of their districts and in case of repeated offence, they will be removed from service."