Vikram Sharma
JAMMU: The government of Jammu and Kashmir plans to establish two Automatic Testing Centers (ATS) in Jammu and Srinagar to ensure accurate vehicle fitness testing and reduce road accidents caused by unfit vehicles.
These state-of-the-art centers will use advanced machinery for testing, eliminating human intervention to prevent negligence and irregularities. The initiative is expected to cost between ₹7 to ₹8 crore and aims to modernize the vehicle fitness certification process in the UT.
The Jammu-Kashmir Road Transport Corporation (JKRTC) will implement this project on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Tenders for the project have already been issued.
In Jammu, the ATS will be set up at JKRTC’s workshop in Bikram Chowk, while the one in Srinagar will be located at the central workshop in Pampore. Once operational, these centers will conduct automated fitness testing for both private and passenger vehicles, ensuring greater accuracy and transparency.
JKRTC will also allow private companies to establish and manage these stations initially. Over time, ownership will revert to JKRTC, though the corporation will earn a share of the revenue from the outset.
The ATS will check vehicles using automated machines, leaving no room for irregularities or malpractice in the certification process. This advanced approach is expected to significantly reduce accidents caused by mechanically unfit vehicles.
The initiative will also address the long-standing issues associated with manual inspections conducted by Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs), where irregularities and negligence have been reported despite video recordings of the process.
The scope of the ATS is not limited to JKRTC vehicles, it will also cater to other types of vehicles, including trucks, buses, taxis, autos, and travelers. The machines will ensure that only vehicles meeting the required standards receive fitness certificates.
Junk vehicles or those failing to meet the prescribed criteria will not be approved, as the machines operate with precision and are free from human biases.
In addition to vehicle fitness testing, the ATS will also check for pollution compliance, further contributing to environmental safety. This dual function highlights the government’s commitment to improving road safety and environmental sustainability.
Similar automated testing centers have already been successfully implemented in various states across India, showcasing their effectiveness in ensuring vehicular fitness.
A senior officer at JKRTC emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that the tender process has been initiated and the centers will soon begin operations. The introduction of ATS in Jammu and Srinagar marks a significant step towards modernizing vehicle fitness testing in the region, ensuring greater safety and efficiency on the roads.
By leveraging advanced technology and eliminating human intervention, the project is poised to set a benchmark for transparency and accuracy in vehicle inspections, he said.
