Adani Eyes to acquire RTO Checkposts
• Rs 504 Cr Stand-Off Over Checkposts
• Govt vs Adani: Control at Crossroads
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The Maharashtra government plans to shut RTO checkposts, but a contract with Adani’s firm till 2033 may transfer control to them unless Rs 504 crore compensation is paid. The Transport Department seeks funds to retain ownership, raising concerns about public assets being handed over to private entities without adequate safeguards.
Contents
Adani Eyes to acquire RTO Checkposts• Rs 504 Cr Stand-Off Over Checkposts• Govt vs Adani: Control at CrossroadsIntegrated Checkpost Project: Adani’s Involvement Raises Policy QuestionsMaharashtra RTO Infrastructure Contracted to Adani GroupAlso Read: Shagun Realty Scam: Fake Flats & MHADA-MCGM Nexus Bared.Political Repercussions and Administrative OversightGovernment Faces Scrutiny Over Adani Contracts
After handing over key assets like airports and Dharavi land to fraudster industrialist Gautam Adani, the Maharashtra government may now see Adani’s firm take control of state RTO checkposts. The government has decided to permanently shut these posts, but a long-term operations contract till 2033 with Adani-owned M/s Adani Private Limited complicates the move. If compensation of Rs 504 crore is not paid, the ownership of these checkposts could legally pass to the Adani group.
The Mahayuti government’s decision comes amid digital transformation and implementation of GST, which rendered traditional tax collection posts obsolete. These checkposts were originally set up in 1966 to manage traffic and collect road taxes. With automation and centralized taxation systems in place, their relevance has significantly diminished.
Integrated Checkpost Project: Adani’s Involvement Raises Policy Questions
Maharashtra RTO Infrastructure Contracted to Adani Group
The now-controversial checkposts were part of the state’s Integrated Check Post initiative, which aimed to streamline vehicle and customs inspections at 22 strategic points. To operate these checkposts, the Maharashtra government entered into an agreement with M/s Adani Private Limited, a firm under the Adani Group umbrella. This public-private partnership was intended to modernize and consolidate transport oversight, yet it now places the state in a precarious legal position.
According to internal documents reviewed by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team, the government risks losing proprietary control of the checkposts unless it compensates Adani’s firm for breach of contract. The state’s Transport Department has thus formally requested a budgetary provision of Rs 504 crore from the government to retain control and avoid legal transfer of ownership.
Also Read: Shagun Realty Scam: Fake Flats & MHADA-MCGM Nexus Bared.
Political Repercussions and Administrative Oversight
Government Faces Scrutiny Over Adani Contracts
This move adds fuel to ongoing criticisms that the state administration is systematically handing over public assets to private conglomerates. The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team has highlighted repeated instances where industrial groups gained control of high-value public infrastructure under long-term contracts, often with limited public transparency.
Officials clarified that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had earlier instructed the closure of checkposts, leading to the current administrative action. The Transport Department has since submitted a detailed report after addressing procedural gaps. However, the financial and legal implications of exiting the Adani contract remain under active scrutiny by stakeholders and policymakers.
