The Tamil Nadu Motor Transport Federation has launched a strong protest against the recent hike in vehicle fitness certificate fees announced by the central government, claiming the increased charges will severely impact the already struggling motor industry.
Meeting with State Authorities
Federation office-bearers held crucial meetings with Chief Minister M K Stalin and Transport Department Commissioner R Gajalakshmi in Chennai on Saturday, seeking immediate intervention to address their concerns about the revised fee structure.
The delegation urgently requested the state government's support in persuading the central authorities to withdraw the fee increase that was officially notified through Special General Regulations (GSR 850) (E) guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways on November 11.
Detailed Breakdown of Fee Increases
According to Tamil Nadu Motor Transport Federation president Sella Rajamani, the new fee structure implements substantial increases across all vehicle categories. For two-wheelers older than 15 years, the fitness certificate renewal fee has jumped from Rs 600 to Rs 1,000, while vehicles older than 20 years now face a steeper increase from Rs 600 to Rs 2,000.
The hike is even more dramatic for three-wheelers, with vehicles aged between 15 and 20 years seeing their renewal fee surge from Rs 600 to Rs 3,000. For three-wheelers older than 20 years, the fee has been raised dramatically from Rs 600 to Rs 7,000.
Medium goods vehicles and passenger vans aged between 15 and 20 years now require Rs 10,000 for fitness certificate renewal, a significant increase from the previous Rs 1,800. For vehicles in this category older than 20 years, the fee has risen to Rs 20,000.
Light vehicles older than 15 years face a renewal fee increase from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000, while those older than 20 years must pay Rs 15,000. The largest commercial vehicles - trucks and buses older than 15 years - now require Rs 12,500 instead of the previous Rs 2,500, and vehicles over 20 years old face a massive Rs 25,000 fee.
Impact on Vehicle Owners
Rajamani emphasized that the fee hike will particularly affect thousands of truck operators who depend on one or two old trucks to support their families. The federation argues that the increased financial burden comes at a time when the motor industry is already facing significant challenges.
The revised fees, implemented under the Central Motor Vehicles Act of 1989, have raised concerns about the sustainability of older vehicles on Indian roads and the economic viability for owners who cannot afford to upgrade to newer models.
The transport body continues to lobby for the withdrawal of these increased charges, maintaining that the additional financial pressure could force many small operators out of business and further strain the transportation sector in Tamil Nadu.
