In a major push to strengthen vehicle fitness enforcement, an Automated Testing Station (ATS), also known as an Inspection and Certification (I&C) centre, will be inaugurated on May 15 at the Nagpur Rural Regional Transport Office (RTO) in Nagpur. The facility will cater to both commercial and public transport vehicles, aiming to enhance transparency and accuracy in the certification process.
The centre is being set up under the ‘Road Safety and Vehicle Fitness Modernisation Mission’ of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and the Maharashtra Motor Vehicles Department. It will feature three separate lanes equipped with advanced sensors and machinery, enabling simultaneous testing of vehicles. Officials said the system will rely on automation to minimise manual intervention and ensure standardised assessments.
The project is being implemented by Rosemerta Technologies in collaboration with the Maharashtra government and the Automotive Research Association of India. The ATS model was first introduced on a pilot basis in Nashik, paving the way for similar facilities across the country.
According to Kiran Bidkar, Regional Transport Officer, transport vehicles must undergo periodic fitness certification based on age. “Transport vehicles require certification once in two years for the first eight years. After eight years, certification is mandatory every year,” he said, highlighting the importance of regular inspections for road safety and emission compliance.
Vijay Chavan said the project is in its final phase and will be inaugurated on May 15.
Meanwhile, officials indicated that another ATS facility is planned at Hingna on a proposed 2.5-acre site. The proposal is currently under consideration and is expected to further boost vehicle testing capacity in the region once approved.
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