Chandigarh's First Automated Vehicle Inspection Centre to Launch in April
Chandigarh is poised to take a significant leap forward in road safety and environmental protection with the upcoming launch of its first fully automated Inspection and Certification centre. Located in Raipur Kalan, this state-of-the-art facility represents a major technological upgrade from traditional manual fitness checks, aiming to enhance efficiency and accuracy in vehicle certification.
Advanced Technology to Replace Manual Checks
The Rs 14 crore facility, constructed on a sprawling 3.5-acre site, will implement a technology-driven system designed to eliminate subjectivity and human error inherent in manual inspections. UT officials have confirmed that the centre is expected to become operational from April, marking the culmination of a long-awaited project.
Mandatory Testing for Commercial Vehicles
Once operational, the centre will conduct mandatory fitness tests for commercial vehicles that have completed 15 years of service. This includes a wide range of vehicles such as taxis, buses, goods carriers, and heavy vehicles, ensuring that older commercial transport meets contemporary safety and environmental standards.
Comprehensive Assessment Parameters
The automated inspection line will evaluate vehicles on 23 standard parameters, providing a thorough assessment of:
- Braking efficiency to ensure optimal stopping power
- Structural health to verify vehicle integrity
- Mechanical condition to check overall functionality
- Emission standards to measure pollution levels
This comprehensive approach guarantees uniform and transparent certification, removing any potential for bias or inconsistency in the evaluation process.
Consequences for Failing Vehicles
Vehicles that fail to meet the established standards will be declared unfit for road use. As per the central vehicle scrappage policy, these vehicles must be scrapped, preventing unsafe and polluting vehicles from continuing to operate on Chandigarh's roads.
Project History and Delays
The project, originally approved by the Union ministry of road transport and highways in 2019, has faced repeated delays over the years. Missed deadlines in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 were primarily attributed to funding gaps that hindered progress. However, construction is now nearing completion, and officials express confidence in meeting the April rollout target.
Environmental and Safety Benefits
Beyond enhancing road safety, the automated inspection centre is expected to contribute significantly to improving air quality in Chandigarh. By identifying and phasing out older, high-emission vehicles that are still operating in the city, the facility will help reduce vehicular pollution, aligning with broader environmental goals.
The launch of this automated centre represents a transformative step for Chandigarh's transportation infrastructure, combining technological innovation with public safety and environmental stewardship.
