In a significant push towards digital governance and ease of doing business, the State Transport Authority (STA) in Union Territory Chandigarh has successfully transitioned a major chunk of its public services to a fully online mode. This transformative move is designed to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles for commercial vehicle operators, saving them time and effort.
21 Key Services Now Accessible Online
The authority has made a total of 21 essential services available on the digital VAHAN portal. Operators no longer need to make physical visits to the STA office for critical processes. The services now accessible online include:
- New registration of commercial vehicles
- Issuance of a duplicate Registration Certificate (RC)
- Transfer of ownership
- Addition or termination of hypothecation (loan/lease agreements)
Applicants can now directly apply for these services on the VAHAN PORTAL. Furthermore, the system is designed to provide transparency; operators will receive information via SMS if any deficiency is noted in their application, allowing for quick rectification.
Drastic Reduction in Office Footfall
The impact of this digital shift is immediately visible on the ground. Before the services were moved online, the STA office witnessed a daily rush of about 200 to 300 operators who had to visit in person to get their work done. This often led to long queues and delays.
Post-digitization, the scene has changed dramatically. Now, only approximately 25 to 30 people visit the office on a daily basis. This sharp decline highlights how the online system is effectively serving the public's needs, reducing congestion, and streamlining operations for the authority itself.
Home Delivery of Printed RCs via Speed Post
Adding another layer of convenience, the Chandigarh STA has announced a new delivery mechanism for physical documents. Starting January 10, all printed Registration Certificates for commercial vehicles will be dispatched directly to the applicants or operators at their provided address through India Post's speed post service.
This initiative ensures that even the final step of the process is hassle-free, completing the cycle of a truly time-bound and citizen-centric service model. The combined effect of online applications, SMS updates, and home delivery represents a holistic approach to implementing ease of doing business in its true sense for the transport sector in Chandigarh.
