Maharashtra Hikes PUC Fees for All Vehicle Categories
The Maharashtra Transport Department has revised Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificate fees upwards by 20 per cent across the state, making emission testing costlier for all categories of motor vehicles. Under the revised rates issued in a recent directive, all authorized testing centres across Maharashtra have been instructed to immediately implement the updated fee structure.
The decision comes following persistent demands from the Maharashtra State PUC Centre Owners Association, which had sought a revision in testing rates citing rising operational costs and inflation. To evaluate the request, the transport department constituted a three-member committee that examined the prevailing fee structures in other states alongside operational overheads before recommending the price adjustment.
Under the revised framework, two-wheeler owners will now pay ₹60 for a PUC certificate, up from the previous rate of ₹50. Testing charges for petrol-powered three-wheelers have increased from ₹100 to ₹120, while four-wheelers operating on petrol and CNG will now be charged ₹150 instead of ₹125. Heavy-duty and light diesel vehicles face the highest revision, with charges moving up from ₹150 to ₹180.
Under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, maintaining a valid PUC certificate remains mandatory for all petrol, CNG, and diesel vehicles plying on public roads. Transport officials said the revision strikes a balance between keeping essential compliance accessible for motorists and ensuring the operational viability of authorized testing stations.
To ensure transparency and prevent overcharging, the transport department has directed all center operators to prominently display the revised fee board at their premises. Transport officials warned that any centre found charging above the prescribed government rates will face immediate disciplinary action and potential license cancellation.
The department has tasked its Vayuveg flying squads with monitoring compliance across regional transport office (RTO) jurisdictions. Squads will conduct surprise inspections to verify that testing centres adhere to the updated rates while maintaining accurate calibration standards for emission testing equipment.
