An automatic vehicle fitness testing centre is coming up at Choutuppal in Nalgonda district at a cost od Rs 14 crore as a pilot project sponsored by the central government.
According to transport commissioner G Anantha Ramu, Pune-based Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) will provide the machinery. “Now, fitness of motor vehicles is tested mainly by visual inspection and personal knowledge. Hereafter, it will be done by machines,” he said.
“The centre will become functional by the end of the year. Depending on its success, a decision on starting such centres in other districts will be taken. We have requested the Centre for a centre at Vizag,” Anantha Ramu said.
Under the fitness test, a vehicle has to clear eight parameters to qualify for plying on roads. Some include wheel alignment, brakes, headlights, steering and tyres. Vehicles like lorries, buses, taxis will be tested for fitness at the centre. Joint transport commissioner (vigilance & legal) B Venkateswarlu said the project was taken up in 11 states.
