India is gearing up for a significant stride towards safer roads and a cleaner environment with the nationwide rollout of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) for vehicle fitness certification. The 'Driving towards Efficiency: The Transformative Potential of Automotive Testing Stations in India' report emphasizes the pivotal role the private sector is expected to play in establishing the ATS network across the country. With India facing challenges related to poor air quality, road accidents, and health hazards due to emissions from older vehicles, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has amended the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, incorporating provisions for ATS. This move aims to enhance fuel efficiency, road safety, air quality, and capacity building.
The collaborative report draws inspiration from global best practices in vehicle fitness policies, examining systems such as the European Union’s roadworthiness package, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) test, and Japan's vehicle inspection system. The objective is to mitigate challenges and strengthen the newly envisaged ATS regime in India.
While acknowledging financial feasibility concerns, the report explores potential deficits in overall cash flow and regulatory issues that need addressing for a robust inspection and certification regime equipped with modern technologies. The financial simulation of the ATS regime employs a standard two-lane model, estimating revenue based on testing fees prescribed by the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.
The report, released during an address by Rajesh Kumar Singh, IAS, Secretary, DPIIT, Government of India, concludes with key recommendations. Regulatory suggestions include incorporating non-transport vehicles in the annual/biennial fitness testing scheme, aligning testing frequency with global best practices, coordinated action by the union government and states, and effective enforcement through fines. Fiscal recommendations encompass subsidies on capital expenditure, revenue augmentation through testing fee revisions, alternative incentives, customs duty waivers, and subsidies on land, among others.
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