Rs 4-Bn Deal to Establish Automated Vehicle Testing Stations

25 Jan 2025 CW Team

The Maharashtra Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has awarded a contract worth Rs 4 billion to Rosmerta Technologies for establishing 21 automated testing stations (ATS) across the state, which are expected to be operational within a year. This initiative is part of the state’s plan to enhance vehicle fitness testing, with a total of 41 such centres to be set up.

The Automated Fitness Management System (AFMS) will manage these centres, allowing citizens to book fitness test slots, access results, and download fitness certificates online. To ensure testing integrity, audits will be conducted every six months.

An official from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) explained that poorly maintained vehicles pose environmental and safety risks. He added that older vehicles, in particular, contribute significantly to air pollution, as they lack the advanced emission controls present in newer models that meet stricter emission standards.

According to the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, Section 56, transport vehicles must have a valid fitness certificate from the prescribed authorities or ATS to remain registered. Non-transport vehicles are also required to obtain a fitness certificate when renewing their registration.

Rosmerta Technologies, which has completed similar projects in Karnataka and other states, has tested over half a million vehicles at its operational centres. Kartick Nagpal, president of Rosmerta Technologies, mentioned that by utilizing cutting-edge technology, the company aims to assure vehicle owners and operators of compliance while contributing to road safety.

News source: Business Standard

Infrastructure Transport

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