Pimpri-Chinchwad RTO launches automated vehicle fitness testing centre

Pune's RTO launches an automated vehicle fitness testing station on July 1, streamlining the certification process for commercial vehicles.

Pune: The Pimpri Chinchwad Regional Transport Office (RTO) will operationalise an automated vehicle fitness testing station (ATS) from July 1, making fitness certification for commercial vehicles fully automated in line with the Centre’s directives.

Ghaziabad, India - May 02, 2022: School buses undergo performance test at the Vehicle Fitness Testing Center in Dasna in Ghaziabad, India on Monday, May 02, 2022. (Photo by Sakib Ali/Hindustan Times)

Commercial vehicle owners seeking renewal of fitness certificates must book appointments through the VAHAN portal, pay fee and present their vehicles for inspection. The RTO has advised owners to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and carry valid registration and statutory documents. Where applicable, vehicles must also comply with Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD), Speed Limiting Device (SLD) and retro-reflective tape norms.

The facility will assess safety and emission parameters using technology-driven equipment, reducing manual intervention and ensuring uniform, transparent inspections.

A senior RTO official said the initiative is aimed at improving road safety and bringing greater transparency and efficiency to the fitness certification process. Commercial vehicle owners welcomed the move, saying automated testing and online appointments are expected to make the process more transparent, organised and time-efficient.

The RTO said the facility has been launched in phases and will become fully operational in the coming weeks.