Almost a year after starting the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway, the project is facing strong criticism.
The ITMS was launched on July 19, 2024 to catch rule-breakers using smart cameras, speed sensors and a control centre. It can issue fines for 17 traffic offences like over speeding, not wearing seat belts, lane cutting, using a mobile while driving and wrong-side driving.
Between July 2024 and March 2025, the system caught 17.07 lakh violations, creating fines worth ₹269.47 crore. But only 1.51 lakh challans have been paid so far. This means the government has got just ₹25.17 crore, only about 9% of the total fines.
An RTI query has revealed bigger problems. The system was launched without required approvals, which breaks the Central Motor Vehicles Rules. The certification of the challan devices was done only days before the launch and allegedly without proper checks.
Transporters are angry. They say the system is unfair and is mainly making money for the private company running it, Proctech Solutions ITMS LLP. This company, formed in December 2021, has already earned ₹57.94 crore for issuing e-challans between July and December 2024. The company gets ₹654.90 per challan, including GST.
Records show that out of 18.25 lakh challans generated in this period, only 12 lakh were approved and 6.25 lakh were rejected after checking, raising more questions on accuracy.
Bus operator Harsh Kotak said, “This is not about safety but about making money. Unfair fines are hurting our business.” Transport leader Baba Shinde said many fines are for minor speed mistakes and complaints to the authorities are ignored.
The expressway, opened in 2002, is a key route for buses, trucks and cars, but two- and three-wheelers are not allowed.
Many industry leaders and former officials now want the state to check the entire project. They say the low recovery rate, lack of approval and profit-making model are big problems which need urgent attention.
