Maharashtra Hikes PUC Fees: Diesel Vehicles Face Highest Charge

Maharashtra’s Transport Department has enacted a revision of charges for Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, resulting in increased fees for vehicle owners across the state.

This adjustment means various vehicle types will now incur higher costs for their mandatory pollution checks:

Two-wheelers: ₹60, an increase from the previous ₹50.

Petrol three-wheelers: ₹120, up from the earlier ₹100.

Petrol, CNG, and LPG vehicles: ₹140, a rise from ₹125.

Diesel vehicles: ₹180, marking the highest charge, previously set at ₹150.

Understanding the Revision Process

The fee revision was initiated following a formal request from the Maharashtra State PUC Centre Owners Association, which sought an increase in the existing testing charges. This led to a comprehensive review by the Transport Department.

The department established a three-member committee tasked with scrutinizing PUC charges, regulatory frameworks, and testing procedures implemented in other states. Concurrently, the Bombay High Court directed the government to finalize a decision on this matter within four months.

Factors Influencing New Rates

The new rates were subsequently approved by the Transport Department, drawing directly from the committee’s recommendations and in compliance with the High Court’s directive. Several key factors were weighed during this determination.

These considerations included the specific types of vehicles and their fuel, the operational expenses associated with maintaining testing equipment, and the remuneration provided to staff at PUC centers.

The Transport Commissioner’s office has since issued explicit instructions to all PUC centers, mandating them to prominently display the updated rate chart. This measure aims to prevent motorists from being charged amounts exceeding the officially prescribed fees.

Motorists Voice Concerns

Despite the official reasoning, motorists across Maharashtra have expressed considerable concern regarding this additional financial burden. They highlight the cumulative impact of rising fuel prices, increased toll fees, higher insurance premiums, and escalating vehicle maintenance costs.

In response to these new charges and existing financial pressures, vehicle owners have also called upon the government to address persistent issues, specifically citing road damage caused by potholes and advocating for broader improvements in overall road conditions.