Automated vehicle fitness tests to be mandatory

Mangaluru: Obtaining a fitness certificate for vehicles will now require mandatory testing at automated inspection centers, marking a significant shift in the process of vehicle certification.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicle Rules to mandate automated testing for vehicle fitness. Following this directive, the Karnataka state government has decided to establish 32 automated inspection centers across the state.

Automated testing centers

At these centers, vehicle inspections will be conducted using automated machinery, eliminating the need for manual intervention. Once operational, fitness certificates will be issued based on computerized evaluations.

The responsibility for setting up and maintaining these centers will lie with private entities selected through a tender process. The Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) and Motor Vehicle Inspectors in the respective jurisdictions will oversee and monitor the functioning of these centers.

Locations of new centers

The state transport department will establish the centers in two models:

DBFOT Model (Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Transfer):
Centers at 13 locations where the transport department owns land, including Devanahalli, Tumakuru, Kolar, Shivamogga, Belagavi, Gadag, Ranebennur, Davanagere, Vijayapura, Bagalkote, Yadgir, Ballari, and Bidar.

BOO Model (Build, Own, Operate):
Centers at 19 locations where the department does not own land. These include Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Mandya, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, Madikeri, Mangaluru, Chitradurga, Karwar, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Hosapete, Koppal, Chikkaballapur, Ramanagar, Bengaluru (South, East, West, and Central).

The centers under the BOO model will be established through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

Minister’s statement

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said, “The Union government has mandated the establishment of automated testing centers for vehicle inspections. Karnataka will set up 32 such centers, and the process is underway in coordination with the transport department. These automated systems will assess vehicle fitness without human interference and ensure the renewal of fitness certificates through machine-driven evaluations.”

The initiative aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in vehicle fitness testing, ensuring compliance with national standards while reducing manual errors and malpractices.