MoRTH to set up 10 automated inspection centres

An Inspection and Maintenance System for vehicles has been set up by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).  Under it, 10 model automated Inspection and Certification Centres (ICCs) one each in the states of Andhra Pradesh (now Telangana), Karnataka, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan,  Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, UP and Delhi are being set up on a pilot basis during the 11^th Plan, said P Radhakrishnan, Minister of State for Transport, at the first International Symposium on Inspection and Certification ISIC-2014 in New Delhi on November 20.

The work relating to these centres is currently in progress with some of them to become operational within this financial year. Automated equipment-based inspection will be carried out at these centres and results will be uploaded on the VAHAN platform in real time. If a vehicle ^passes all the tests as per laid down standards, a certificate will be issued. In case of any defect, the vehicle owner will have to get the defects rectified and the vehicle would have to undergo the process of inspection again.

According to Radhakrishan, successful implementation of the inspection and monitoring system of in-use vehicles would ensure reduced pollutants, lesser number of accidents caused due to poor vehicle conditions, enhanced safety for passengers and pedestrians and reduction in repair cost and enhancement of resale value. However, since a single centre in a State cannot cater to the requirements of all the used vehicle population, different States would need to replicate the model centres in other parts of the State as well. “It is the objective of the ministry to present these model test centres as a viable business model for replication through investment by the private sector. Necessary changes in the rules will also be undertaken to support and promote the growth of these test centres.”

The ministry has already sanctioned one project each in 10 states. These will serve as technical centres for testing the roadworthiness of transport vehicles after evaluation of various identified parameters in a scientific manner. In-use vehicles need focused attention due to rising number of road accidents and a rising level of environment pollution. The fitness tests of motor vehicles, carried out at present, are visual, non-mechanised and involve subjective evaluation by the inspecting officer.

The minister said that strong changes in the existing system are needed which ensure a cleaner and greener future. “We also need to create infrastructure in the country that enables us realize the goals identified under the 12^th Plan.”

Meanwhile the Road Safety Bill will be placed before the Parliament for approval during the winter session starting end-November and will enforce various safety norms once passed.