The introduction of new vehicle fitness rules by the state transport department is creating a new problem in Jharkhand among vehicle owners. The new laws have made the process of vehicle fitness certification centralized, thus compelling a large number of owners to travel long distances in order to have their vehicles inspected.
Previously, the vehicle fitness certificates were to be issued locally at the District Transport Offices (DTOs). In the new system, however, fitness check is done in Automated Testing Stations (ATS). These centres have the modern machines that determine the roadworthiness of the cars as opposed to manual checks that were carried out in the local offices. The authorities believe that the transition is meant to enhance safety, curb corruption and adherence to national vehicle standards.
Although the government is focusing on the positive side of automated testing, owners of vehicles are bearing the brunt. The owners in neighbouring districts such as Kodarma, Ramgarh and Ranchi are now forced to travel to ATS centres in Hazaribagh or other specified cities. To most of them, it involves a 100-plus kilometres to get a fitness certificate, which is crucial in vehicle registration renewal, insurance renewal, and legal use of the road.
The relocation especially affected the commercial vehicle operators, small business owners and the rural vehicle users. Numerous people have cited long queues in the booking of appointments in ATS centres, resulting in wasted time and loss of money. There have also been complaints raised about the number of centres that are limited to handle the large number of vehicles that require inspection.
Experts identify that although the centralized, automated system can enhance transparency and road safety in the long term, the existing implementation of such a solution presents logistical problems. The motive is good, only that the state should have additional testing stations or mobile inspection units to help ease the burden on transport owners, said a local transport consultant.
It is recommended that the vehicle owners should organize their visit in advance, bring all the necessary documents and ensure that the slot in the nearest ATS centre is available. The government has promised to have more centres in the near future in order to ease travelling distances and time wasted waiting in the centres.
This change in policy is indicative of how Jharkhand has attempted to modernize its vehicle policies and fit in with the national standards of safety. But, the vehicle owners will still be subjected to the inconvenience of long-distance commuting to have their vehicle checked on the necessary fitness checks until more centres are established.
