With the number of vehicles growing exponentially in the State, the Commerce and Transport Department has proposed to open four more Regional Transport Offices (RTOs).
Currently, there are 31 RTOs functioning in the State and the department has sought permission to open the new ones in Angul, Ganjam, Jajpur and Khurda districts. These four districts already have an RTO each.
The new offices, according to the department, will share the work load of the existing RTOs in terms of vehicle registration, enforcement and collection of taxes and fees.
With rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, the number of vehicle registration has jumped sharply in the last few years. As many as 3,24,471 vehicles were registered in 2009-10 and the number jumped to 4,06,206 during 2010-11.
Similarly, the revenue collection has been on the rise too. From registering a growth of 16 per cent in 2009-10, the department recorded a further rise to 19 per cent during 2010-11. Motor vehicle offence detection has also risen proportionately from 96,637 in 2009-10 to 1,07,116 in 2010-11 necessitating more manpower and resources.
Sources said, the Finance Department which is considering the proposal has asked the Commerce and Transport Department to submit details of staff strength in the RTOs and vehicle registration.
Meanwhile, the State Government which is planning to set up driver institutes in the State has approached Toyota Kirloskar Motor Ltd to partner in its endeavour. With a rise in the need for trained drivers, the Government is on the look out for a professional organisation to run the driving training schools.
In its proposal to the automobile major, the Government has offered to provide about 15 to 20 acre land and capital for development of the infrastructure. The automobile manufacture will be mandated with operating the institute by employing quality trainers and providing vehicles as well as machines.