Team News Riveting
Raipur, July 3
Chhattisgarh’s first automated vehicle fitness testing centre has been set up in the state capital Raipur to facilitate running “healthy” vehicles on the roads.
The centre, which is equipped with the state-of-the-art machines to conduct vehicle fitness tests, was set up in accordance with the direction of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel. The establishment of this center marks a significant achievement in the efforts made by the Transport Department to reduce road accidents.
A government spokesperson said the transport department is continuously working towards modernizing its arrangements in accordance with the Chief Minister’s vision. Various services related to the Transport Department have been made available online. Driving licenses and registration certificates are being delivered to people’s doorsteps. Taking a step ahead, the department is also automating the process of fitness inspections for transport vehicles.
State’s Transport Secretary S. Prakash said that the fitness inspections will now be conducted through automated machines, reducing the need for human intervention.
Chhattisgarh’s Transport Commissioner Dipanshu Kabra informed that the automated fitness testing center will carry out a range of tests, including roller brake tests, axle load tests, suspension tests, side slip tests, joint play tests, steering gear play tests, speedometer tests, speed governor tests, exhaust gas tests, and headlight tests.
Transport vehicles are required to undergo fitness inspections every two years until eight years. After eight years, transport vehicles must undergo annual fitness inspections. This rule applies to both passenger and goods vehicles used for commercial transportation purposes.
Previously, the task of conducting fitness inspections was carried out by inspectors at the RTO office. After the visual inspections by the inspectors based on their experience, fitness certificates were issued. However, in many cases, vehicle owners were dissatisfied with these inspections. If unfit vehicles continue to operate on the roads, there is a constant risk of accidents. Accidents involving transport vehicles can cause significant harm to human life and property.
The government has made fitness testing of vehicles through Automated Testing Stations (ATS) mandatory in a phased manner starting April next year. The Road Transport and Highways Ministry (MoRTH) notification said that fitness testing for heavy goods vehicles and heavy passenger motor vehicles through an ATS will be mandatory from April 1, 2023.
While in the case of medium goods vehicles and medium passenger motor vehicles and light motor vehicles (transport), the requirement will be made compulsory from June 1, 2024. An Automated Testing Station (ATS) uses mechanical equipment to automate the various tests required to check the fitness of a vehicle.
To boost the automobile sector, the state has also introduced a scrapping policy. Under this policy, a tax rebate of up to 25 per cent will be provided when purchasing a new vehicle while scrapping an old one. To avail of this rebate, the vehicle must undergo an inspection at an automated fitness testing center and subsequently be scrapped at a designated scrapping center.
Upon completion of the scrapping process, a certificate of deposit will be issued to facilitate the tax rebate while purchasing a new vehicle. Additionally, if a transport vehicle over 15 years old fails the fitness test at the automated fitness center, its registration will be cancelled.
