Pune Truck Fitness Tests Halted Again Due to ATS Unavailability

Fitness tests for commercial vehicles in Pune and several other districts have stopped again. The reason is the unavailability of Automated Testing Stations (ATS). The tests were halted in February after a central rule mandated that fitness certificates can only be issued through ATS. Pune currently does not have these stations.

Tests Stopped Since March 3 with No Clarity on Resumption

Baba Shinde, president of Maharashtra State Vahan Chalak Malak Mahasangh, confirmed the situation. He said testing of all vehicles stopped on March 3. They have contacted the Ministry of Road Transport and the state transport authorities. But there is no clarity on when tests will resume.

Over 7,500 Vehicles Stranded Without Fitness Certificates

Before the halt, the Dive Ghat facility on Pune outskirts conducted manual testing of 750 to 800 vehicles daily. Fitness certificates were issued after these tests. Shinde calculated that over 7,500 to 8,000 vehicles are now waiting for certificates. The number grows every day with no information on when testing will restart.

Pune RTO Confirms Halt, Seeks Temporary Old Method Approval

Swapnil Bhosle, Pune deputy RTO, confirmed that vehicle testing has stopped again. They have communicated this to the transport commissioner's office. They have requested permission to resume testing the old way until the facility is upgraded. Upgradation of Dive Ghat is expected by April. A work order for a new facility at Alandi Road has also been issued.

Bhosle said they were hoping approval would come soon. Those who had taken appointments and were waiting would be adjusted accordingly.

Upgrade Timeline Extended to 2-3 Months

Earlier, Pune regional transport officer Archana Gaikwad had said the Dive Ghat facility would be upgraded to ATS by mid-March. But according to TruckOnWheels current information, it will take at least 2 to 3 months before Pune RTO can adopt the ATS system.

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Operators in Pune Face Heavy Fines and Insurance Risks

Hundreds of vehicles, mainly trucks, cannot move without fitness certificates. RTO officials and police check vehicles at different spots and impose heavy fines. The fine for operating a commercial vehicle without a fitness certificate is Rs 10,000. If an accident occurs without a valid fitness certificate, there is no insurance claim provision.

Transporters have requested RTO officials not to fine their vehicles on the road if they lack certificates due to this situation.

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