Automated Vehicle Testing Stations coming up across Kerala to curb fitness test irregularities

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/ ALAPPUZHA: Automated Vehicle Testing Stations (ATS) are being set up across Kerala to prevent vehicles from getting fitness certificates through improper means. The inspection will be completed in 10 minutes. The ATS will conduct six tests to check the vehicle's road safety and mechanical condition. This will also eliminate the need for officials to conduct fitness tests manually.

Testing stations have been set up at Nooranad in Alappuzha and Pooyappally in Kollam. At present, the testing fees are being credited to the accounts of the automated vehicle testing stations. The stations will start functioning once the process of transferring the fees to the Motor Vehicles Department's account is completed. A total of 28 testing stations, two in each district, are being set up. They will be established with private participation under the supervision of the Motor Vehicles Department.

Meanwhile, the Vehicle Inspectors' Association has demanded that vehicle inspectors be allowed to issue fitness certificates even after vehicles are tested at automated centres. However, the Transport Commissioner rejected the demand.

Some officials have been accused of issuing fitness certificates without inspecting vehicles, including those brought by middlemen, in exchange for bribes. An Assistant Vehicle Inspector in Kollam was suspended for irregularities in fitness testing.

Digital report generated instantly

Once a vehicle enters the sensor-equipped testing track, the inspection will be completed within 10 minutes. The test results will be available immediately as a digital report. Information collected by high-resolution cameras and sensors will be sent directly to the central government's Vahan server. If a vehicle fails the test, the defects can be corrected and the vehicle can be brought for a retest. A special audit will be conducted every six months. Vehicle owners must book a date and time in advance through the AFMS (Automated Fitness Management System) portal and bring the vehicle to the testing centre.

"Officials do not have to inspect the vehicle or issue the fitness certificate. The vehicle must pass three types of tests. The fitness certificate will be issued automatically only if it passes all the tests."
- C.H. Nagaraju, Transport Commissioner