STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The State Transport Department signed an agreement with a Spain-based company for the setting up of automated testing stations across the state for testing the automated fitness of heavy and commercial vehicles. In phase 1, the state will have such a testing centre each in Tinsukia, Jorhat, Biswanath, and North Salmara.
The Central Government made the automated fitness test compulsory for heavy and commercial vehicles from April 2023 and from June 1, 2024, for small and light vehicles. A commercial vehicle needs an automated fitness test after an interval of two years for the first eight years and yearly testing after eight years.
On behalf of the Transport Department, Rahul Chandra Das, the Managing Director, Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC), and Hans Zaergen Schimpgen, along with Dr. Satish Batra, president, Horizon Group, Germany, and Rajnish Arora, Vice President, Horizon Group, India office, signed the agreement on behalf of ITEUVE INDIA Pvt. Ltd., a stock-listed company based in Spain.
This pioneering initiative, led by ASTC and the State Transport Department, is the first of its kind in India in PPP (public-private partnership) mode and is designed to usher in a safer and cleaner future for the state. At its core, this venture seeks to introduce automated, state-of-the-art vehicle fitness testing, thereby reducing accidents and ensuring safer roads through minimised manual interventions.
Assam’s endeavour to establish automated testing stations represents a significant step towards a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation network. With a focus on road safety, environmental compliance, data-driven decision-making, cutting-edge technology, and ASTC’s commitment to transformation, this initiative will undoubtedly contribute to a brighter future for the region. The assurance of expert guidance and seamless service, with a commitment to maintaining a 95 percent uptime for uninterrupted vehicle testing, guarantees a superior experience for customers and stakeholders alike.
The primary focus of these ATS centres will be on enhancing road safety by meticulously evaluating the roadworthiness of vehicles based on a comprehensive set of safety parameters. Cutting-edge automated testing equipment will be employed, aligning seamlessly with international best practices. This advanced technology-driven approach is pivotal to elevating vehicle conditions and mitigating road traffic accidents attributed to vehicular malfunctions.
Also Watch: