Hyderabad, Oct.8 (NSS): Minister for Transport Ponnam Prabhakar has informed that the Telangana government has decided to implement key reforms in Transport sector, focusing on vehicle scrapping policy, safer roads and automated testing centers.
Disclosing the details to the media at Secretariat here on Tuesday, the Minister explained various reforms being introduced in the transport sector and highlighted the State’s decision to adopt the Sarathi Vahan portal, which has already been implemented by 28 States across India under the Motor Vehicle Act.
“This portal will streamline interstate vehicle relations, reducing conflicts at the grassroots level, especially involving RTOs and DTOs. The portal will be implemented in Telangana under Government Order (G.O.) 28,” he said.
The Minister also announced a vehicle scrapping policy, wherein private vehicles older than 15 years, and commercial vehicles after 8 years, will be scrapped.
“This decision aligns with similar policies implemented in Karnataka and Maharashtra, and Telangana is set to follow suit with its own G.O,” Ponnam disclosed.
The Minister also revealed that Telangana is planning to set up Automated Vehicle Testing Centers across the State, aimed at improving vehicle fitness checks. Each center will cost Rs.8 crore and 32 centers are expected to be established. These centers will ensure that pollution and fitness regulations are strictly enforced for vehicles in Telangana, he added.
Expressing concern over the alarming statistics on road accidents, where 1,60,000 people lose their lives annually across the country, Ponnam Prabhakar stressed the need for stricter road safety measures in Telangana.
“The State government is working closely with UNICEF to raise awareness on road safety in schools. The upcoming “Road Safety Month” will focus on educating people about traffic rules, signal systems, and zebra crossings,” he disclosed.
He further stated that the State government is taking strict action against violators of traffic rules and so far, 8,000 driving licenses have been cancelled.
The Minister warned that violators may face permanent disqualification from acquiring a driving license or registering a vehicle.
Stating that the need for enhanced enforcement to prevent rash driving and ensure adherence to traffic regulations, the Minister said the government vehicles, RTC buses, two-wheelers, and four-wheelers will all be subject to these new policies.
To strengthen enforcement, 113 new vehicle inspectors have been recruited and will soon take up their duties, he said.
The Minister noted that even government vehicles must comply with these rules, ensuring no exceptions and clarified that while Telangana has transitioned from TS (Telangana State) to TG (Telangana Government) for vehicle registration, only new vehicles will carry the TG registration.
In collaboration with UNICEF, the Transport department is also conducting awareness campaign to promote road safety and traffic rule compliance from a young age, he added.
