Tardeo RTO to knock down its stables

With Rs 15-crore project, paves way for a building; upgrade will also include better testing facilities and simulation unit

The Tardeo office that registers vehicles under the MH01 series is housed in a long row of sheds that were originally stables for the governor’s bodyguards during the British regime. Built in the early-1990s, its storied heritage includes a historic plaque on the carved stone arches. Historians say the governor used to stay in a bungalow in Parel, which has now been converted into Haffkine Institute. The lane outside Tardeo RTO office was interestingly called Bodyguard Lane.

Horse barracks at Tardeo RTO will soon make way for prim and proper offices. The RTO premises, one of the oldest government offices in the city and a huge parcel of land, will be revamped at a cost of Rs 15 crore. To begin with, scores of crumbling and abandoned vehicles parked here will be auctioned to make space.

Originally meant for stabling horses in the early 20th century, it was converted into

the Regional Transport Office (RTO) in January 1940. The area of the complex is around 24,000 square metres, with a 250-metre-long test track. It also has a space to conduct vehicle fitness tests and caters to nearly 900 people who come for learners’ license tests.

Sources said the authorities are finalising the location for the new building to undertake the revamp project.

An official said the first phase included auctioning of 32 abandoned vehicles, with which the RTO recovered over Rs 11 lakh. There are some more vehicles, which will be auctioned soon.

The next phase will include upgrades to driving tests and inspection of taxis. The number of inspectors issuing driving licenses has been increased so as to double the tests conducted. At present, the RTO is catering to 850-900 persons per day, which used to be 450 earlier.

In the coming days, the RTO will also introduce simulators for driving tests. This will help them gauge the calibre of people applying for learners’ licence.