THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Check posts of the Motor Vehicles Department are shifting to currency-less online transactions as part of curbing corruption. With this, the issuance of permits for taxi vehicles entering and exiting the state will become completely online. Vehicle owners can get permits in advance by paying online. They won't have to wait at the check post to get the permit. Permit distribution and cash transactions at check posts had often led to bribery and irregularities.

The process of linking all 18 check posts with the central government's Vahan software has been completed. Permit distribution was also successfully tested. Check post services will be available online from Friday. The new system is very beneficial for vehicle owners. Cargo lorries waiting at check posts for permits often led to traffic jams and accidents. The Union Road Transport and Highways Ministry had proposed to remove motor vehicle check posts in the wake of the implementation of goods and services tax. However, the state did not implement it, fearing loss of tax.

Decided to implement in 2020, but it did not happen
The authorities had decided to make the services at the check posts of the Motor Vehicle Department available online from November 1, 2020, in the context of the spread of Covid. They also decided to continue imposing fines at check posts for things like overloading. However, the project got delayed due to a glitch in the software.

The check posts of the Motor Vehicles Department, which paved the way for corruption, were always under the Vigilance department. Vigilance had also recommended avoiding cash transactions at check posts. Some officials had even sought transfer to check posts to get bribes.