Cuttack: Automated Testing Stations (ATS) will be set up in 21 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the state. These centers will conduct vehicle fitness tests and issue fitness certificates. The entire process will be carried out through a computerized system. The tender process has been completed, and private companies have been assigned responsibilities. Approximately ₹60 crore has been allocated for this initiative.
According to the information, a fitness center has already been opened in Naraj under Cuttack RTO. The process for opening similar centers in Boudh, Angul, Bhubaneswar RTO-2, Rourkela, Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Kalahandi, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Jharsuguda, Koraput, Kendrapara, Nayagarh, Nabarangpur, Ganjam, Balasore, Nuapada, Jagatsinghpur, Mayurbhanj, and Keonjhar districts has been completed.
Each center will cost approximately ₹3 crore. As the tender process has been finalized, all 21 centers are expected to be operational by the end of this year.
Criminal Case for Driving Without Fitness Certificate
Vehicle owners will be given 180 days to comply. After this period, necessary repairs must be made, and a complete fitness test will be conducted again. If a vehicle owner fails to comply, the vehicle will be declared “End of Life.” If such a vehicle is found on the road, legal action will be taken against the owner, and the vehicle will be seized and sent to a scrap center.
As per regulations, two-wheelers must undergo a fitness test after 15 years, while commercial vehicles must be tested every two years. During the fitness test, the vehicle’s lights, brakes, horn, engine, pollution levels, steering, and speed governor will be inspected. The computerized system will determine which components are functioning properly and which need repairs.
This new system is expected to enhance efficiency. Previously, Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) manually inspected vehicles and issued fitness certificates. If a vehicle had any faults, the MVI would ask the owner to repair the specific component and return for a reinspection. However, under the new computerized testing process, if a vehicle fails the test, further action will be taken accordingly.