Mumbai: Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik approved the establishment of a new sub-regional transport office (sub-RTO) in Mira-Bhayandar, a city that partly falls under his Ovala-Majiwada assembly constituency in the Thane district. According to reports, the announcement was made ahead of March 1, which is observed as "Transport Day" to commemorate the founding of the state's Transport Department (RTO).

This will be the 58th sub-RTO in Maharashtra, addressing a long-standing demand from Mira-Bhayandar residents. Sarnaik has been advocating for this facility since 2009, recognising the growing population and increasing vehicle registrations in the area. The new office will be constructed on government-acquired land in Uttan.

Alongside this development, Sarnaik also announced that a new civil court building will be inaugurated on March 8, coinciding with International Women's Day. He further expressed confidence that a police commissioner’s office would be established in the area in the future, reported Times of India.

What Is A Sub-regional Transport Office?

A sub-regional transport office plays a crucial role in handling various transport-related services, including issuing driving licenses, vehicle fitness inspections, insurance verifications, pollution control certifications, road tax collection, and providing personalized registration numbers. The establishment of this new sub-RTO aims to ease congestion at existing transport offices and provide more convenient services for residents.

Sarnaik has represented the Ovala-Majiwada constituency since its formation in 2009 and is currently serving his fourth term as an MLA. Over the years, he has actively worked on infrastructural and administrative developments in the region.

Mira-Bhayandar, a rapidly developing city adjoining Mumbai, is part of Thane district and falls within the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Originally established as a municipal council in 1985, it has grown into a key township with industrial hubs and a comparatively lower cost of living than Mumbai. The city's continuous expansion has increased the demand for better administrative and transport infrastructure, making the sub-RTO a key addition to its development.

With this new office, Mira-Bhayandar residents can expect faster and more efficient transport-related services, reducing their dependency on distant RTO offices.