Three months on, no progress on automated vehicle testing station in Karimnagar

Construction of the Automated Testing Station in Karimnagar, proposed to modernise vehicle fitness checks, is yet to begin three months after its foundation was laid.

Karimnagar: Construction work on the proposed Automated Testing Station (ATS) in Karimnagar is yet to begin, even three months after the foundation stone was laid.

To ensure accurate vehicle fitness assessments using AI-driven technology and reduce the role of intermediaries, the State government had decided to set up ATS centres in each of the erstwhile districts.

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Accordingly, Karimnagar was sanctioned a station, to be developed within the premises of the District Transport Office in Thimmapur, at an estimated cost of Rs. 8 crore. The Roads and Buildings (R&B) department was entrusted with the responsibility of executing the construction and installing machinery.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar laid the foundation for the centre on March 24. However, no tenders have been floated so far, delaying the start of construction.

As per existing rules, commercial vehicles must undergo an annual fitness test. Additionally, private vehicles that are over 15 years old must also clear fitness tests to extend their registration period.

Currently, Assistant Motor Vehicle Inspectors (AMVIs) and Motor Vehicle Inspectors (MVIs) conduct manual checks and issue fitness certificates. However, officials are reportedly unable to carry out thorough inspections due to the heavy volume of vehicles arriving daily. There have also been allegations of certificates being issued without proper inspections.

To address these issues, the government planned the establishment of ATS centres, which would rely on advanced technology to assess various parameters such as tyre condition, smoke emissions, engine efficiency, shock absorbers, and acceleration. The test results will be recorded and uploaded online, aiming to improve road safety and reduce environmental pollution.

Despite the intent and infrastructure plan, work at the Karimnagar station has not started. While Transport Department officials stated that the R&B department is responsible for the project execution, R&B authorities said tenders would be invited soon and work would begin thereafter.