Despite being one of the major revenue earners for the state exchequer, the East Godavari regional transport authority (RTA) lacks the facility of the latest mode of scientific driving tracks.
Except for Kakinada, Rajahm-undry and Amalapuram where a stopgap arrangement was made to meet requirements at places at Peddapuram, Manda-peta and Kathipudi, the department has no such facility, and has to depend on either Rajah-mundry or Kakinada to test the driving skills of applicants.
The district with a population of over 50 lakh has more than 5.75 lakh vehicles of all types.
Of these, two wheelers share the bulk of the number with 4.98 lakh followed by 27,959 three wheelers (autos), 26,482 goods vehicles and other vehicles.
The department provides more than Rs.100 crore per annum in the form of revenue and in the present revenue year of 2011-12, Rs.160 crore was fixed as target. The department has 7 offices including the above mentioned six.
Of these, the campus of the local ITI is being used for driving tests at Kakinada. Similarly, at Rajahmundry, the ZP site at Rajanagaram, and at Amalapuram, a nearby school are being used for testing skills of new applicants and those who apply for renewal.
Except at Kakinada, Rajahm-undry and Amalapuram, at other places including at Ravulapalem, the department functions in rented premises.
When contacted over the issue, the EG regional transport commissioner (DTC), Mr G. Krish-nayya, said that concrete efforts were being made to have their own premises for these tests.
The matter was also brought to the notice of the Andhra Pradesh transport commissioner (TC), Mr Hiralal Samaria, during his visit to the district a few days ago and he promised to pursue the issue at the state level, the DTC added.
