Transport officials seize 24 motorcycles during enforcement drive in Puducherry

The Transport Department seized 24 motorcycles that were rented out to tourists on Saturday. This is part of an ongoing drive to enforce ban on two-wheeler rentals.

Following directions from Transport Commissioner A.S. Sivakumar, a team led by Regional Transport Officer (Headquarters) Prabhakar Rao, RTO (Oulgaret) Angalan and RTO (Puducherry) Ramesh, along with a dedicated team of Motor Vehicle Inspectors and Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors launched a coordinated crackdown on illegal bike rentals in Puducherry.

As many as 24 bikes that were rented out to tourists were immediately detained for operating without valid permits, a mandatory requirement under transport laws. The seized vehicles have been moved to the RTO for safekeeping and initiation of further legal proceedings.

An official said that the primary objective of the drive was to curb the menace of unregulated rental services. These unauthorised operations frequently bypass mandatory safety and insurance norms, which significantly compromises road safety for both the riders and the public.

Owners of the impounded bikes are required to pay prescribed fines and present valid commercial documents to the respective RTOs to reclaim their vehicles. The crackdown on bike rentals would continue in order to ensure strict compliance with motor vehicle laws and to foster a safe road environment for all citizens, the official added.