VIJAYAWADA: The automated driving test tracks proposed by the Road Transport Authority (RTA) to reduce road accidents, are to take off in nine cities of the State. The Central Government had sanctioned Rs 9 crore for the project a few month ago, but the transport department officials are yet to commence the project works.
Earlier, people aspiring to get learning and permanent licenses had to undergo four types of tests, according to officials.
It was difficult for the authority to inspect each and every person as hundreds of people used to appear for the tests everyday, and as a result, ineligible people used to get licenses. To avoid this, the transport department has proposed to develop automated driving test tracks at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Nellore, Chittoor, Kurnool, Tirupati, Anantapur, Guntur and Srikakulam.
Talking about how the automated driving test tracks work, the officials said sensors and CCTV cameras will be installed near the track and motor vehicle inspectors (MVI) will not be present on the track. They will either watch the aspirants driving live, or in a recorded video. The devices will alert the MVI as soon as an aspirant enters the track with a vehicle. The sensors on the track will beep if there are faults in driving and marks will be made on the tracks wherever the driver makes mistakes. Based on the report, the officials will decide whether or not driving license is to be issued to the aspirant.
Speaking to TNIE on Wednesday, Joint Transport Commissioner SAV Prasada Rao said that Central Government has allocated Rs 9 crore for developing automated driving test tracks in nine cities of the State. ‘’Earlier this month, a proposal had been sent to the State Government seeking its approval for floating the tenders for realising the project. MVIs have already conducted a ground level survey to upgrade the existing driving tracks to automated driving test tracks. The works will be completed in three months from the commissioned date,” Rao added.
What is Automated Driving Test Track?
Automated Driving Test Tracks can simulate tough driving conditions. Learners aspiring to get a driving license should attend tests include reversing, driving on hair pin bends, parallel parking, driving on a incline and on loops shaped like 8 etc.
A9 crore
Amount sanctioned by Central Government to Transport Department to develop automated driving test tracks.