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Tamil Nadu to Launch 5 Automated Vehicle Fitness Testing Stations

The Tamil Nadu Transport Department has initiated the tendering process to establish five Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across the state. These stations, to be built under a public-private partnership, are a response to a central government mandate requiring automated fitness tests for heavy vehicles from October 2024. The new system will introduce revised testing fees, increasing charges for light and heavy vehicles, and will conduct comprehensive automated checks on emissions, brakes, and other safety parameters. The facilities aim to replace manual inspections, enhancing transparency and road safety for the nearly nine lakh fitness certificates issued annually.

Key Points: TN's Automated Vehicle Fitness Testing Stations: New Fees & Locations

  • 5 stations under PPP model
  • Mandatory for heavy vehicles from Oct 2024
  • New testing fees up to Rs 1,050
  • Covers 18 RTOs across Tamil Nadu
2 min read

TN govt initiates process for 5 automated testing stations to issue vehicle fitness certificates

Tamil Nadu begins tendering for 5 automated vehicle testing stations under PPP. New fee structure announced for faster, transparent fitness certificates.

"The move aims to improve transparency, accuracy and road safety by eliminating manual inspections. - Transport Officials"

Chennai, Feb 11

The Tamil Nadu Transport and Road Safety Department has begun the tendering process to establish five Automated Testing Stations across the state to streamline and modernise the issuance of fitness certificates for commercial vehicles.

The proposed stations will come up at Attur, Madurai South, Tiruvallur, Thoothukudi and Villupuram under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The initiative follows a directive from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which made it mandatory from October 1, 2024, that fitness certificates for heavy vehicles be issued only through automated testing facilities.

Officials said the move aims to improve transparency, accuracy and road safety by eliminating manual inspections.

According to sources in the Commissionerate of Transport and Road Safety, the selected private operator will be responsible for constructing, operating and maintaining the facilities for a period of 15 years.

The stations will handle testing for heavy vehicles, light commercial vehicles and two-wheelers, catering to vehicles registered under 18 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).

The RTOs covered include Attur, Vazhapadi, Kallakuruchi, Rasipuram, Madurai South, Thirumangalam, Vadipatti, Usilampatti, Tiruvallur, Tiruttani, Sriperumbudur, Thoothukudi, Tiruchendur, Kovilpatti, Villupuram, Ulundurpet, Tindivanam and Gingee.

On average, RTOs across Tamil Nadu issue between eight and nine lakh fitness certificates every year.

Under the new fee structure, ATS operators will be allowed to charge Rs 650 for light motor vehicles and Rs 1,050 for heavy vehicles as testing fees for vehicles less than 15 years old. Additionally, a certification fee of Rs 200 per vehicle will apply to both categories. This represents an increase of Rs 250 for LMVs and Rs 450 for medium and heavy vehicles compared to the current charges.

The revised rates for vehicles older than 15 years are yet to be announced.

Each station will conduct fully automated tests covering emissions, horn, exhaust noise, speedometer accuracy, speed governor, side slip, suspension, braking efficiency and headlight performance. The system will also measure vehicle weight, axle load and other technical parameters using digital sensors.

Officials said operators will follow an online checklist aligned with Central Motor Vehicle Rules and Automotive Industry Standards. Construction of the facilities is expected to take about six months after tender finalisation, paving the way for a more scientific and reliable vehicle fitness certification system across Tamil Nadu.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Shreya B
Good initiative, but the fee hike is a concern for small transport operators. Rs 450 increase for heavy vehicles is significant. Hope the efficiency and time saved justifies the extra cost. The government should monitor this closely.
R
Rahul R
As a truck owner from Madurai, I welcome this. The old system was a headache with long queues and "unofficial" charges. If these new stations are fast and fair, it's worth the extra money. Hope they open on time!
P
Priyanka N
Five stations for the entire state? That seems too few. Vehicle owners in districts not covered will still have to travel far. They should plan more stations in the next phase. Otherwise, the concept is excellent for road safety.
D
David E
This is a step in the right direction. Automated testing is standard in many countries. The PPP model for 15 years is a long commitment though. Need strong oversight to ensure the private operator maintains standards and doesn't create new bottlenecks.
A
Anjali F
Testing emissions and brakes automatically is great. So many accidents happen because of poorly maintained commercial vehicles. If this reduces that, it's a win for all road users. Hope other states follow TN's lead. 🙏

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