Weeks after concerns were raised by The Hitavada over a privately operated parking facility near the city’s MSRTC Ganeshpeth bus stand, fresh details have emerged following discussions with the Traffic Police in charge of the area. According to the officials, the land in question is privately owned, and the operators possess ownership documents along with valid permission to run a car and bike parking business. Despite this, the premises are allegedly being used as a full-fledged private bus pick-up and operational point behind the facade of a “private parking” facility. Long-distance buses are reportedly entering the premises, halting for extended periods, loading passengers and luggage, and operating in a manner similar to a private bus terminal.

 

Private bus activity continues despite High Court restrictions: The matter assumes greater significance in light of an earlier order by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court. In January 2018, a division bench comprising Justice Bhushan Dharmadhikari and Justice Swapna Joshi directed private bus operators not to operate within a 200-metre radius of MSRTC bus stands. The court had taken a strict view of congestion and unregulated private bus activity around public transport hubs. Residents claim, bus operations continue throughout the day, with buses reportedly functioning from one parking premises until around 4.30 pm, while the last bus from another nearby parking facility departs at around 6 pm daily. MSRTC has already flagged alleged permission violation to NMC: Vinod Chaware, Divisional Controller, Nagpur Division, MSRTC reportedly submitted a formal complaint to the Municipal Commissioner more than a week ago regarding the functioning of the parking facilities.

 

The complaint mentions the premises have permission only for car and bike parking, but are allegedly being used for parking and operating buses and other multi-wheel passenger vehicles. Questions, questions and questions: While the Traffic Police maintain that they cannot take action inside private property, legal and civic questions remain unanswered. Can a property approved as a parking business effectively function as a concealed private bus station? Does ownership of land automatically permit commercial bus operations if the activity itself appears to violate court directions and traffic regulations? Residents and commuters allege that such operations create congestion, safety hazards and confusion near already crowded transport corridors.

 

Loopholes, enforcement questions and the Ganeshpeth traffic: Critics argue that, the issue exposes a larger loophole where commercial operators use “private property” status, while continuing activities that would otherwise attract enforcement action on public roads. While the Nagpur Traffic Police have been actively cracking down on illegal roadside parking and have also seized unauthorised private buses in several parts of the city, the present controversy has now evolved into a wider debate over regulatory enforcement and accountability. Citizens are asking how long such loopholes will continue to bypass rules meant to regulate commercial bus activity near major public transit hubs. Unless these issues are handled effectively, the traffic congestion issue in Ganeshpeth is likely to remain unchanged--maintaining the

 

 Why police say they cannot act 
• Premises are privately owned.
• Operators possess ownership documents and permission for car and bike parking business.
• Traffic Police say action inside private property is legally limited.
• Police State enforcement is possible only if another competent authority establishes a violation under transport or municipal laws.