Pune: RTO collects revenue of more than Rs 175 crore amid COVID-19

Pune: The lockdown imposed due to COVID-19 contagion for around three months has pushed the country into a major financial crisis. Many small and big businesses have suffered intense heat of the pandemic. Even the hotel and restaurant owners, gym owners have started selling their ventures. The economy is suffering big time due to the pandemic. Amidst such difficult conditions also, Regional Traffic Office (RTO) Pune has gained a huge amount of profit. It has collected more than Rs 175 crore of the amount.

The countrywide lockdown was imposed in the country from March 25. Since then RTO’s office was also closed. From May 18, registration of vehicles began in some amount. From then to May 31, around 22 thousand 493 vehicles were registered by RTO due to which it received revenue close to two hundred crores. Even though April, May have been bad for transport businesses, closing days of May and the first 15 days of June have proved better.

The registration of many vehicles booked by the customers happened after May 18. Business of two-wheelers and four-wheelers was good compared to other types of vehicles. But Inspection Sub-Regional Transport Officer Sanjeev Bhor told that these conditions are improving. He informed that from May 18 to June 15, 1,669 motorcycles and 1,068 cars were registered.

Regional Transport Officer Ajit Shinde said, “In March, till 17th registration was good. But April-May months were difficult due to lockdown. Now conditions are improving. In the next two months, we are expecting growth in the registration of vehicles.

Chief Executive Officer, Automobile Division of Garawe group, Harinder Singh said, “The rate of inquiry by customers about vehicles is increasing. But, vehicles’ sale has reduced to around 40 per cent compared to last year. We are expecting growth in next month.”

Sagar Pashankar of Pashankar Auto also said, “Sale of two-wheelers has recovered up to 30 per cent. Also, the rate of vehicles coming for servicing has improved up to 70 per cent. Compared to the past two months, conditions are improving now.