Udupi: Technical glitches in the online server system have disrupted mandatory vehicle emission testing across Udupi, leaving motorists struggling to obtain pollution certificates. The problems have turned what was previously a simple procedure into a time-consuming process, with vehicle owners waiting for extended periods at testing centres.
The online system was implemented across Karnataka following directions from the Central government to regulate vehicle emissions. However, technical problems in the system have affected the testing process in recent days.
Depending on the type of vehicle and fuel used, motorists are required to undergo emission tests and obtain pollution certificates once every six months or once a year. Vehicle owners generally visit nearby emission testing centres within the prescribed period to complete the process.
However, server-related issues are now causing delays and preventing many motorists from obtaining their certificates.
Motorists forced to wait at testing centres
Vehicle owners visiting emission testing centres are reportedly being made to wait between 30 minutes and an hour. Even after waiting, many are unable to complete the test and receive their pollution certificates.
According to operators of emission testing centres, the software often fails to respond properly even after the required vehicle details are uploaded.
In some instances, operators have to connect the testing equipment to the vehicle’s silencer two or three times. Despite repeated attempts, the device fails to record the emission levels.
While some tests do not begin at all, other attempts are interrupted by server connectivity problems, preventing the certificates from being issued.
The delays have caused inconvenience to motorists who need the certificates to comply with vehicle emission regulations.
Testing centre operators also affected
The technical glitches have affected testing centre operators as well. Repeated attempts to test a single vehicle are consuming additional time and resulting in longer queues.
The situation is also affecting the daily business of these centres, as operators are unable to complete tests within the usual time.
Several emission testing centres operate within petrol pump premises, making prolonged waiting particularly difficult. Keeping vehicles waiting for extended periods in these locations has become a challenge for staff, who are also facing considerable inconvenience because of the delays.
Testing fees increased
Apart from the technical difficulties, motorists are also facing an increase in emission testing charges.
The fee for cars and similar vehicles, which was earlier ₹100, has now been increased to ₹150.
With the higher fee and continuing technical problems, vehicle owners are finding the process more inconvenient than before.
Motorists seek permanent solution
Vehicle emission testing plays an important role in monitoring pollution levels and protecting the environment. However, motorists have pointed out that a system introduced to ensure compliance should function reliably without causing unnecessary hardship to the public.
Motorists have urged Transport Department officials to identify the root cause of the server problems, increase server capacity and resolve the technical glitches at the earliest.
They have also called for measures to ensure that the online system functions smoothly at all emission testing centres across the state.
RTO expects glitches to be resolved soon
Santosh Shetty, in-charge Regional Transport Officer of the Udupi Regional Transport Office, acknowledged that the technical problems had continued for the past four to five days.
He said a meeting had also been held at the department’s head office in Bengaluru to discuss the issue.
“It is true that the problem has persisted for the past four to five days. A meeting was also held at the head office in Bengaluru to discuss the issue. The technical problems are expected to be resolved within the next one or two days. Since the process is now being carried out online, some technical issues have arisen, and efforts are being made to rectify them,” he said.
The Transport Department is expected to address the problems in the coming days. Until the system is restored, motorists and testing centre operators may continue to face delays in completing mandatory vehicle emission tests.