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In a move aimed at modernising vehicle inspections and ensuring greater transparency, the Karnataka Transport Department is expanding Automated Testing Stations(ATS) across several locations in the State. The new facilities will replace the conventional manual checks currently conducted at Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) with a fully automated, technology-driven process.
According to senior officials, once these centres become operational, all vehicles seeking renewal of their fitness certificates will be required to undergo testing exclusively at the ATS.
In 13 locations
These facilities are being established under the Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) model at 13 locations where land has already been identified. The selected sites include Devanahalli, Tumakuru, Kolar, Shivamogga, Davangere, Belagavi, Gadag, Ranebennur, Bagalkot, Vijayapura, Ballari, Bidar, and Yadgir.
In addition to these, the department is also setting up similar testing centres under the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model at 19 other locations. Tenders for these have been floated on a cluster-wise basis, covering regions such as Bengaluru East, West, South, and Central, as well as Chickballapur, Ramanagara, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Madikeri, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chitradurga, Chikkamagaluru, Uttara Kannada, Kalaburagi, Raichur, Koppal, and Hosapete.
Reducing human errors
A Transport Department official described this initiative as a major step toward enhancing road safety and accountability in vehicle testing. “By automating the inspection process, we are reducing the scope for human error and subjectivity. Every stage of the test will be governed by machines, ensuring uniformity and fairness,” the official said.
Each ATS will operate in accordance with the standards prescribed by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. The system will be capable of evaluating multiple parameters including braking efficiency, emission, alignment, and suspension without any manual intervention. Vehicle owners can visit any of these centres to obtain their fitness certificate, which will be valid nationwide.
Storing data
Officials added that the automated process will store data and visual records of each test. Individual results will remain confidential until the final assessment is generated, thereby preventing manipulation or interference. To maintain quality and accuracy, each station will also be subjected to third-party audits every six months.
Karnataka’s first Automated Testing Station was inaugurated in Nelamangala in 2024, marking the State’s initial step towards digitised vehicle inspections.
Published – October 11, 2025 08:33 pm IST
