Hyderabad:The Telangana Road Transport Authority (RTA) urgently requires better office buildings to eliminate the interference of touts who mediate between officers and applicants on issues like driving licence, vehicle registration among others.

During a recent review meeting by transport minister Ponnam Prabhakar at the State Secretariat, the issues of transferring long-standing officers and securing dedicated buildings at the RTA offices were discussed.

Among all the RTA offices, the West Zone’s office at Tolichowki is particularly in a deplorable condition.

Officers are forced to conduct vehicle checks on the main roads, with inspectors using makeshift setups, such as a chair on the road in front of the Four Seasons restaurant, to complete vehicle registration procedures.

Touts also set up roadside counters to help applicants struggling with the RTA process. Their activities intensify after 2 pm, when official counters close, as they then interact with officials to facilitate their operations.

Frequent drainage overflows in the office building submerges the cellar and contaminates tap water. Employees have complained about the foul smell and unsanitary conditions, urging the authorities to relocate the office to a better facility.

The West Zone RTA office issues around 80 learners licences daily and handles registrations and transfers for 10 to 15 cars and 50 to 70 two-wheelers from localities like Ahmednagar, Asifnagar, Golconda, Goshamahal, Jumerat Bazaar, 1st and 2nd Lancer, Langar Houz, Mallepalli, Mangalhat, Masab Tank, Mehdipatnam, SabzimMandi, Tappachabutra, Tolichowki, Vijaynagar Colony and Sitarambagh.