Vehicle Fitness Tests To Go Automatic at 37 Centres

Hyderabad: Vehicle fitness tests in Telangana are set to become largely automated, with the state government approving 425.50 crore to establish 37 automated testing stations (ATS), reducing human intervention and improving transparency in the certification process.

The stations will use computerised equipment and sensors to assess the roadworthiness of vehicles by checking braking efficiency, steering, suspension, headlight alignment, exhaust emissions, speedometers and other safety parameters. The results will be generated electronically.

Suryapet regional transport officer Purshotam Reddy said vehicle fitness inspections were being conducted manually by Road Transport Authority (RTA) officials. “The ATS will be totally computerised. This will avoid any kind of tampering with the results,” he said, adding that the system would also reduce manpower requirements.

Under the new system, vehicles will undergo tests using specialised equipment, with results generated electronically. This is expected to minimise human discretion, ensure uniform testing standards and prevent mechanically unfit vehicles from obtaining fitness certificates.

The transport, roads and buildings department has revised the project's administrative sanction from 296 crore to 425.50 crore, increasing the cost of each station from 8 crore to 11.50 crore.

According to the transport minister's office, the project will be implemented in two phases. In the first phase, 15 stations will be established at a cost of 172.50 crore, including facilities at erstwhile district headquarters and four additional centres in the Greater Hyderabad and HMDA areas. The remaining 22 stations will be established in the second phase at an estimated cost of 253 crore.

Vehicles failing the prescribed fitness tests will have to undergo repairs and clear the required tests before obtaining certification.