Mysuru: In a significant move aimed at modernising transport services and improving efficiency, transport authorities in Mysuru will scrap the manual process of issuing fitness certificates to new vehicles and introduce Automated Testing Centres (ATCs) from mid-February. The initiative is expected to streamline procedures, reduce delays and enhance transparency in vehicle fitness certification.
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Vasanth Chauhan, Regional Transport Officer (RTO–West), Mysuru, said the city’s first ATC will become operational within a month. Initially, the automated facility will handle fitness certification for new vehicles, with plans to later extend the service to older vehicles as well.
Shift from manual inspections to automated testing
At present, vehicle fitness certification is largely carried out through manual inspections at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). Under the new system, these inspections will be replaced by automated, technology-driven testing processes.
“A fitness certificate for a new vehicle must be renewed every 15 years after purchase. From mid-February, this process will no longer be manual for new vehicles in Mysuru,” Chauhan said. “The Automated Testing Centre will assess a vehicle’s condition within five minutes before issuing the fitness certificate.”
The introduction of ATCs is in line with national efforts to standardise and digitise transport-related services, ensuring greater accuracy and minimising human intervention.
Mandatory use of ATCs under NHAI order
As per an order issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), all transport offices that fall under the jurisdiction of an established Automated Testing Centre must mandatorily renew transport vehicle fitness certificates at these centres.
Officials said this move will ensure uniform testing standards across the country and help eliminate discrepancies that may arise from manual inspections.
Once the Mysuru ATC becomes fully functional, all eligible vehicles within its jurisdiction will be required to undergo fitness testing exclusively at the centre.
Temporary arrangements during software upgrade
To avoid inconvenience to vehicle owners during the transition phase, the transport department has made temporary arrangements. Chauhan said that due to an ongoing software upgrade, vehicle owners have been asked to pay the prescribed fees at the Regional Transport Office, Mandya, for the time being.
“This is only a temporary measure until the system is fully integrated and stabilised,” he clarified, adding that normal operations would resume once the ATC and supporting software are fully functional.
Expansion to older vehicles planned
While the initial rollout will focus on new vehicles, authorities have confirmed that the scope of the ATC will be expanded in phases. In the future, fitness certification for older vehicles will also be carried out at the automated centre.
Officials believe this will significantly reduce congestion at RTOs and ensure that ageing vehicles meet safety and emission standards before being allowed on roads.
Growing digital footprint of transport services
Chauhan highlighted that the Mysuru transport department has already digitised a large number of its services. At present, 26 RTO-related services are available online, reducing the need for citizens to physically visit transport offices.
“All services related to driving licences and learner licences are available online through the Sarathi software,” he said. “Similarly, services such as transfer of ownership, change of address, tax payment, instalment agreement and cancellation are available through the Vahan software.”
Vehicle owners can also update their mobile numbers, submit applications using Aadhaar-based OTP verification, upload required documents and pay fees entirely online.
Mysuru vehicle statistics underline need for automation
Mysuru’s rapidly growing vehicle population underscores the need for automated and efficient systems. According to official data, the city currently has around 12.1 lakh registered vehicles, including approximately 55,000 transport vehicles.
On average, the RTO West office registers about 3,000 two-wheelers and 1,200 new cars every month, placing considerable pressure on existing infrastructure and manpower.
Officials said the introduction of ATCs will help manage this volume more effectively while ensuring roadworthiness and compliance with safety norms.
Clarification on BH registration
Responding to queries and complaints related to the BH (Bharat Series) registration, Chauhan clarified that the facility is available only to Central government employees who are in transferable jobs.
He said many applicants were unaware of the eligibility criteria, leading to confusion and grievances.
Road safety awareness initiatives
Meanwhile, as part of Road Safety Awareness Month, the transport department has lined up a series of programmes throughout the month to educate road users. These initiatives will focus on safe driving practices, compliance with traffic rules and the importance of vehicle fitness.
Officials said the combination of awareness campaigns and technological upgrades like ATCs would contribute to safer roads and more efficient transport governance.
Conclusion
The rollout of Automated Testing Centres in Mysuru marks a major step towards modernising vehicle fitness certification and improving service delivery. With faster testing, reduced human intervention and increased digital integration, the initiative is expected to benefit both vehicle owners and transport authorities while enhancing overall road safety in the city.