PANAJI
The automated testing for vehicle fitness is set to begin with the scrutiny of applications to commence only after the Lok Sabha elections. The Transport Department has, however, not received any application under the central scheme so far.
A notification published on March 14 stated that the Director of Transport, Goa, will act as the Registering Authority, empowered to issue both preliminary and renewed Registration Certificates for Automated Test Stations (ATS).
Applicants seeking a “Preliminary Registration Certificate” to establish an ATS must apply through the National Single Window System (NSWS) portal. The certificate’s validity is for one year, during which the applicant must establish an ATS and subsequently apply for a “Registration Certificate” in adherence to the norms outlined in the Central Motor Vehicle Rules.
“We are yet to receive applications… the notification has just been published... nevertheless, the entire scrutiny process and subsequent steps will commence after the model code of conduct," the source said, adding that there is no deadline set for its submission or receipt of applications.
Officials stated that the entire testing process from booking to result issuance at the ATS, will be conducted online, following procedures mandated by the central government. A daily report on the ATS’s management is required to be submitted to the Transport Department.
The government notified the "Automated Testing Station Policy of Goa, 2024", initially applicable for five years. It aims to automate vehicle fitness tests by bolstering the integrity and transparency of the country’s vehicle ecosystem. Mandated by the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988, vehicle fitness testing is now compulsory to ensure passenger safety and to mitigate pollution from older vehicles.
Officials added that the State has adopted the policy in alignment with the central government’s directive to modernise and enhance transparency in the vehicle fitness verification process.
