Maharashtra School Bus Operators Threaten Statewide Strike from March 5 Amid E-Challan Dispute

School bus operators in Maharashtra warn of statewide strike from March 5 over unfair e-challan fines, risking disruption to student transport during exams

Pune | 19 February, 2026- School transportation services across Maharashtra may face major disruption as school bus operators have warned of a statewide strike beginning March 5 if their demands regarding the e-challan system are not addressed. The protest call has been issued by the Maharashtra Transporters Action Committee (M-TAC), which represents school bus owners along with operators of private buses, trucks, taxis, tempos and autorickshaws. The development has triggered widespread concern among parents and school authorities, particularly because it coincides with the crucial SSC and HSC board examination period.

Transporters have raised serious objections to the implementation of the electronic traffic fine (e-challan) system, alleging that it has resulted in arbitrary penalties and procedural irregularities. According to the operators, many fines are being issued without clear or timely notification to vehicle owners. They argue that photographic evidence attached to challans is often unclear, making it difficult to verify the alleged violation. Operators have also expressed concern over a recent provision that allows authorities to suspend vehicle operations or initiate impoundment if fines remain unpaid beyond a specified period. They claim this denies them adequate opportunity to legally contest disputed penalties.

The transport body has demanded greater transparency in the e-challan process, including real-time alerts, high-resolution photographic proof, and a fair appeal mechanism before punitive action such as vehicle seizure is taken. They have further urged the state government to ensure that essential online transport services are not blocked for vehicles with pending fines, especially when those fines are under dispute. If these issues are not resolved before March 5, operators say they will suspend services statewide.

The possible strike could significantly impact daily commuting for thousands of students across urban and rural regions of Maharashtra. School buses remain the primary mode of safe and organized transport for many families, particularly in cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Nagpur. With board examinations either underway or scheduled to begin soon, any disruption in transportation could create logistical challenges, late arrivals, and additional stress for students and parents.

Education stakeholders have voiced concern that the timing of the proposed strike may inadvertently affect academic performance and attendance during a critical period. While some schools are reportedly exploring contingency transport arrangements, large-scale alternatives may prove difficult to coordinate on short notice. Parents may be forced to rely on private vehicles, carpools, or public transport systems, which could lead to increased traffic congestion in major cities.

This protest also reflects broader unease within Maharashtra’s transport sector regarding enforcement mechanisms linked to digital traffic monitoring. While authorities maintain that the e-challan system improves transparency and accountability in road safety enforcement, transport operators argue that technological errors and administrative inefficiencies are placing an unfair financial burden on small and mid-scale vehicle owners. Industry observers note that balancing digital enforcement with procedural fairness remains a key governance challenge.

Government officials have not yet issued a detailed public response to the strike warning. However, discussions between transport representatives and state authorities are expected in the coming days to avert large-scale disruption. Experts believe that proactive dialogue and clarification of enforcement guidelines could help de-escalate tensions before the March 5 deadline.

If the strike proceeds, it could extend beyond school buses and impact other segments of commercial transport, potentially affecting daily mobility across the state. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether negotiations yield a compromise or whether Maharashtra faces a widespread transport shutdown at a sensitive time in the academic calendar.

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