The proposal to set up a high-tech driving testing track in Kochi is still moving at a snail’s pace despite the state government sanctioning Rs 2 crore two years back.
Though the district administration had allotted two-acre land and Nirmithi Kendra was entrusted with the project, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) is yet to prepare a detailed project report in this regard. After a long wait, the Nirmithi Kendra has submitted a proposal of Rs 1.45 crore before the MVD for the first phase. But, neither the state government nor the MVD has followed it yet.
The Nirmithi Kendra is planning to complete the project in a phased manner. “In the first phase, the levelling work of the proposed land and construction of approach road will be completed,” said PJ George, district project director, Nirmithi Kendra. “A proposal has been submitted to MVD and we are waiting for its nod,” he added.
District Collector P I Sheik pareeth said the district administration has allotted two acres of land at Thuthiyoor near Kakkanad and it was handed over to the MVD last year.
“The Public Work Department (PWD) has prepared an initial estimate for the project but it was not feasible,” he added.
Deputy Transport officer P A Sainudheen said that the MVD has already forwarded the proposal to the Road Safety Authority. The final decision should be taken by the state government. The work will begin only after getting the nod,” he added. “Lack of sufficient funds is another issue. An initial estimate prepared by Nirmithi Kendra is `2.45 crore. But the government has allotted only two crore rupee for the project,” he said.
The automated driving testing track consists of a computerised monitoring room and a driving track. High-tech cameras will be installed along the track.
The video clippings captured by the cameras will be uploaded in a computer and the results will be generated by analysing the video clippings at the monitoring room. Special software will also be developed for the purpose. The MVD which has launched a high-tech tracks at Kozhikode plans to set up the same across the state.