Karnataka Transport Body Opposes New Motor Vehicle Rules

10 Oct 2025 CW Team

In a detailed letter to the Additional Secretary (MVL) at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, the association warned that several proposed provisions could unfairly penalise professional drivers and disrupt the commercial transport sector.

The KSCVOA’s main concern centres on the rule proposing immediate punitive action against drivers with five recorded traffic violations. Association President K. Radhakrishna Holla said that even minor offences, such as parking errors or minor traffic lapses, could accumulate to five instances, putting drivers’ livelihoods at risk.

“Imposing strict penalties for cumulative or minor violations without considering their severity is excessively harsh for professional drivers who rely on daily operations for income,” Holla stated.

Another major concern is the proposed suspension of essential services, including vehicle registration, licence renewal, and ownership transfer, for non-payment of pending challans. The association cautioned that such measures could cripple daily logistics operations, especially for businesses already struggling with driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and financial constraints.

Instead of blocking services, KSCVOA suggested alternative enforcement mechanisms, such as imposing additional fines or interest for delayed payments, to ensure compliance without paralysing the sector.

The association also highlighted technological and accessibility challenges, particularly in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. The draft’s dependence on e-Challan systems and digital portals, they argued, could lead to unintended penalties if SMS or email notifications fail to reach vehicle owners.

“To avoid such instances, postal notices should be issued where digital communication fails,” the letter recommended.

The KSCVOA urged the Ministry to reconsider and refine the draft rules, ensuring that enforcement mechanisms remain balanced, inclusive, and practical for all segments of India’s commercial transport ecosystem.

The association reiterated its support for road safety reforms, but called for policies that safeguard livelihoods while promoting responsible driving and compliance across the sector.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

The Karnataka State Commercial Vehicle Owners’ Association (KSCVOA) has raised strong objections to the Draft Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2025 (G.S.R. 724(E)), recently issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on 29 September 2025. In a detailed letter to the Additional Secretary (MVL) at Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, the association warned that several proposed provisions could unfairly penalise professional drivers and disrupt the commercial transport sector. The KSCVOA’s main concern centres on the rule proposing immediate punitive action against drivers with five recorded traffic violations. Association President K. Radhakrishna Holla said that even minor offences, such as parking errors or minor traffic lapses, could accumulate to five instances, putting drivers’ livelihoods at risk. “Imposing strict penalties for cumulative or minor violations without considering their severity is excessively harsh for professional drivers who rely on daily operations for income,” Holla stated. Another major concern is the proposed suspension of essential services, including vehicle registration, licence renewal, and ownership transfer, for non-payment of pending challans. The association cautioned that such measures could cripple daily logistics operations, especially for businesses already struggling with driver shortages, rising fuel prices, and financial constraints. Instead of blocking services, KSCVOA suggested alternative enforcement mechanisms, such as imposing additional fines or interest for delayed payments, to ensure compliance without paralysing the sector. The association also highlighted technological and accessibility challenges, particularly in rural areas with limited internet connectivity. The draft’s dependence on e-Challan systems and digital portals, they argued, could lead to unintended penalties if SMS or email notifications fail to reach vehicle owners. “To avoid such instances, postal notices should be issued where digital communication fails,” the letter recommended. The KSCVOA urged the Ministry to reconsider and refine the draft rules, ensuring that enforcement mechanisms remain balanced, inclusive, and practical for all segments of India’s commercial transport ecosystem. The association reiterated its support for road safety reforms, but called for policies that safeguard livelihoods while promoting responsible driving and compliance across the sector.

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Infrastructure Transport

06 Jul 2026

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..