In an effort to modernise the vehicle emissions testing process, the Karnataka Transport Department is replacing its outdated software system with an advanced new setup. The upgraded system will incorporate QR codes on pollution certificates, making it easier for vehicle owners to access emissions data and other vehicle-related details simply by scanning the code. This upgrade is set to revolutionize emissions testing in the state, providing greater transparency, accuracy, and convenience.
The technological overhaul is being spearheaded by Meru Info Solutions, a company that won the tender to provide the new software and related services. As part of this upgrade, the company will install the new software across all 2,700 emissions testing centers in Karnataka, which includes both Pollution Under Control Centres (PUCCs) and other related facilities. The Transport Department is also rolling out a comprehensive training programme for testing centre supervisors, ensuring that the new system is implemented smoothly and efficiently.
One of the key features of the new system is its integration with the VAHAN-4 platform, the national database that stores vehicle registration information. Additional Transport Commissioner Gnanendra Kumar confirmed that the department has already sent a letter to the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to facilitate the integration of the new software with VAHAN-4. This will enable testing centres to instantly access a vehicle’s registration data, ownership details, engine condition, and contact information.
With this integration, the system will be able to track not just emissions results but also important data such as the last and next due dates for emissions testing, vehicle age, and historical emissions test results. This will make the emissions testing process more streamlined and help authorities ensure that vehicles are in compliance with environmental regulations.
One of the major flaws in the old system was that data entry for emissions tests was done manually by staff at each testing centre. This left room for errors or fraudulent entries, as there was no verification that the vehicle had actually arrived at the designated centre for inspection.
To address this, the new system introduces geo-fencing technology. Geo-fencing will ensure that emissions test data can only be entered once a vehicle is physically present at the correct testing centre. If a vehicle is not at the designated location, no data can be entered, drastically reducing the potential for fraudulent certifications or incorrect information being recorded.
This added layer of security will help ensure that only vehicles that have physically undergone emissions testing are issued pollution control certificates, thus improving the reliability and integrity of the entire testing system.
The installation of the server and internet infrastructure required for the new system has already been completed, and the software is currently undergoing final testing. The Transport Department expects the new system to be fully operational within a month, pending the completion of integration with the VAHAN-4 platform by the NIC.
Once fully implemented, the new system will enable Pollution Under Control Centres (PUCCs) to easily verify engine conditions based on emissions levels. In addition, the system will categorise vehicles according to their Bharat Stage (BS) ratings. Vehicles with more recent BS ratings, such as B4 and B5, will be issued a one-year certification, while older vehicles with BS ratings of B1, B2, or B3 will be required to undergo emissions testing every six months.
This upgrade is expected to have several positive long-term effects on both vehicle owners and the environment. By introducing greater accuracy and transparency in emissions testing, the new system will reduce instances of fraudulent or incorrect certifications. It will also make it easier for vehicle owners to access important information about their vehicles’ emissions status, and help them comply with environmental regulations more efficiently.
Additionally, the integration with VAHAN-4 will streamline the entire process, making it easier for authorities to track and monitor vehicle emissions data, while also reducing administrative overheads for testing centres.
The use of geo-fencing ensures that emissions tests are only conducted at authorised centres, thereby minimising errors or delays. Finally, the introduction of QR codes on certificates will allow vehicle owners to conveniently access all the data related to their emissions test results and vehicle details on their smartphones, further simplifying the process.
Once the system is live, Karnataka will be one of the first states in India to implement such an advanced emissions testing infrastructure, setting a benchmark for other states to follow.