Mumbai, Maharashtra (March 1, 2025): Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is set to lay the foundation stone for the new headquarters of the Maharashtra Transport Department, named ‘Parivahan Bhavan,’ on March 2 at 2 p.m. This landmark event will also be attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, as announced by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.
The Transport Department was established on March 1, 1940, to regulate road traffic, marking this date as 'Transport Day' across the state. To celebrate this occasion, the foundation ceremony for the four-story ‘Parivahan Bhavan’ will be held at Sir Pochkhanwala Road, Worli, Mumbai. The new building will cover approximately 12,800 square meters and will include a four-level underground parking facility capable of accommodating 150 four-wheelers.
Interestingly, the Transport Department, which generates significant annual revenues of ₹15,000 crore for Maharashtra, has never had its own headquarters over the past 85 years. Instead, it has operated from rented accommodations. After taking charge as Transport Minister, Sarnaik prioritized the establishment of a dedicated headquarters, and this upcoming construction marks the culmination of those efforts.
The new headquarters is expected to streamline operations within the department and improve services for both staff and the public. Fundamental improvements to the operational efficiency of transport administration are anticipated, aligning with the recent infrastructural developments across Maharashtra.
Historically, the Transport Department has played a pivotal role since its inception. Transport Day has been observed as a way to recognize its contributions and the challenges it faces. Sarnaik emphasized the importance of this new infrastructure during discussions about the need for modern facilities, stating, "The establishment of Parivahan Bhavan will greatly assist not only our department but also the citizens who depend on transport services daily."
The government's decision to solidify the Transport Department's presence with its very own building embodies long-term planning and foresight. Many state officials, including the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Ministers, have shown their support for the project, indicating its political significance.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, the construction of Parivahan Bhavan will take approximately two and a half years, creating jobs and boosting local economies. This exciting development reflects Maharashtra's dedication to enhancing public transport infrastructure and government efficiency.
Meanwhile, the state also continues to expand its reach, as seen with the recent establishment of new Deputy Regional Transport Offices (RTOs), which aim to improve vehicle registration and licensing processes across various districts.
Overall, the Parivahan Bhavan is not just about creating space for the Transport Department; it’s about setting the stage for enhanced governance structures and service delivery mechanisms across Maharashtra, ensuring the economic and infrastructural needs of its citizens are met.
The upcoming ceremony on March 2 signifies not only the commencement of construction for the Parivahan Bhavan but also marks the resolute commitment of Maharashtra’s leadership to improving transportation services and infrastructure. With projects like these anticipated to take shape, it surely carves out a bright future for the transport sector.