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Telangana shuts all RTA check-posts after ACB raids expose bribery

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. -check-posts-after-acb-raids-expose-bribery.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 21:40 GMT by Telangana Today
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The ACB raids and what was discovered

On the night of March 23, ACB officers executed coordinated raids on nine RTA check‑posts located in key transit corridors around Hyderabad, Secunderabad, and the Medchal‑Malkajgiri district. According to the ACB’s preliminary report, officers seized a significant amount of cash—estimated at ₹3.5 lakh—along with documents that included bribe receipts, invoices, and lists of officers allegedly receiving illicit payments. Video footage recovered from the check‑posts showed commuters being forced to surrender money in exchange for smooth passage, while RTA officials, in some cases, appeared to be facilitating the illegal transactions.

The raids also uncovered an extensive network of bribery that extended beyond a handful of individual employees. The ACB alleged that the corrupt practice had been ingrained within the RTA’s operational culture for years, with many officials turning a blind eye to the cash flow at the checkpoints. Witnesses, who had been compelled to pay bribes for over‑speeding fines or vehicle registration, claimed that they were threatened with legal action if they refused.

Government’s response

In the immediate aftermath of the raids, the Telangana government announced that all 48 RTA check‑posts across the state would be temporarily shut down. The Transport Minister, M. K. Narayana, said the closure was a precautionary measure to prevent further financial loss while an internal audit was conducted. “We are committed to restoring public confidence in our transport infrastructure. All check‑posts will remain closed until a comprehensive review is completed,” he told reporters.

The RTA has suspended 36 of its employees who were directly implicated in the bribery allegations. The suspended personnel will be subjected to a full investigation in line with the Prevention of Corruption Act. The transport ministry has also pledged to implement stricter oversight and auditing protocols across all RTA operations, including regular inspections and mandatory reporting of cash transactions.

Digital transformation and reforms

One of the key reforms the Telangana government is promising is the rapid expansion of digital payment systems for traffic fines and vehicle registration processes. The RTA has already been working on a statewide electronic portal that will allow commuters to pay fines online, reducing the need for physical checkpoints. Officials say that by 2025, all major traffic violations will be processed digitally, which will eliminate opportunities for bribery at the checkpoints.

In addition to digitization, the state is revamping its human resource management within the RTA. This includes stricter recruitment processes, regular training on ethical conduct, and the introduction of a whistleblower policy that allows employees and commuters to report corrupt practices anonymously.

Public reaction and broader implications

The closure of all RTA check‑posts has sparked a mix of relief and inconvenience among the public. Commuters have expressed gratitude for the government’s decisive action, but some have raised concerns about the potential increase in traffic congestion, especially in areas where the check‑posts were previously a quick gate. The Telangana Transport Department has announced plans to deploy mobile traffic enforcement units to maintain law and order during the interim period.

The scandal has also reignited debate over the overall governance structure of state transport agencies. Critics argue that the systemic vulnerabilities exposed by the ACB raids are symptomatic of a larger governance problem. Former transport minister D. K. Reddy, in an op‑ed for the Telangana Daily, warned that “without a comprehensive overhaul of accountability mechanisms, isolated incidents of corruption will continue to erode public trust.”

Looking ahead

The Telangana government has set a target to fully reopen the check‑posts by the end of the fiscal year, contingent upon the completion of audits and the implementation of digital systems. An independent watchdog, the State Anti‑Corruption Tribunal, has been tasked with monitoring the progress of reforms and ensuring that the RTA’s operations adhere to statutory norms.

In a recent press conference, the state’s Chief Minister emphasized that the shutdown is a “necessary step to safeguard public resources and uphold the integrity of transport services.” He further added that “corruption is a disease that undermines the very foundation of democracy; it must be eradicated through transparent policies, rigorous enforcement, and the active participation of citizens.”

Additional context from linked articles

The Telangana Today piece cites a previous article detailing the ACB’s broader anti-corruption campaign in the state, which targeted several public utilities and government departments. That article highlighted how the ACB’s crackdown has prompted the state to review financial practices in other sectors such as water supply and municipal services.

Another referenced article provides an overview of the RTA’s operations, explaining how check‑posts have traditionally been a source of revenue for the transport department. It also outlined the RTA’s current reliance on manual toll collection, making it vulnerable to malpractice. The article included a map of all RTA check‑posts, underscoring how their strategic placement along major highways has historically facilitated both revenue collection and congestion management.

The government’s decision to shut down the check‑posts aligns with a national trend toward digitizing public services. A related report noted that several states across India have adopted electronic toll collection and online fine payment platforms, citing significant reductions in corruption and administrative costs.

In sum, the Telangana government’s shuttering of all RTA check‑posts represents a landmark moment in the state’s anti-corruption efforts. While the immediate impact is felt in logistical challenges, the long‑term vision of a transparent, digital, and accountable transport system appears to be gaining momentum, thanks in large part to the vigilance of the ACB and the resolve of elected officials.