Trichy's First Automated Driving Test Track Inaugurated by Chief Minister M K Stalin
Trichy has taken a significant leap forward in modernizing its transport infrastructure with the inauguration of its first automated driving test track (ADTT) near Pirattiyur. Chief Minister M K Stalin officially launched the facility on Thursday, marking a new era in the evaluation of driving skills for license applicants across Tamil Nadu.
Advanced Technology for Objective Assessment
The new ADTT, located near the Regional Transport Office (West) in Trichy, harnesses cutting-edge technology to automatically assess driving proficiency. This initiative aims to eliminate human bias and ensure that licenses are granted only to genuinely skilled drivers. The facility was developed at a cost of Rs20.78 lakh through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Maruti Suzuki India Limited, following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last year between the company and the Tamil Nadu government.
RTO R Muruganantham highlighted the benefits of the automated system, stating that it will make the driving test process faster, more reliable, and highly transparent. The track is equipped with advanced technologies including video analytics, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), face-recognition systems, and Harnessing AutoMobiles for Safety (HAMS) technology. These tools support standardized testing procedures aligned with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR), ensuring a uniform methodology for all applicants.
Statewide Modernization Project
The Trichy ADTT is part of a broader statewide modernization project by the transport department, which promises a more objective and efficient assessment process. Similar automated tracks have been established in other districts, including:
- Coimbatore (Central)
- Tiruvannamalai
- Krishnagiri
- Madurai (North)
- Sivaganga
- Dindigul
All these tracks, designed for two-wheelers and light motor vehicles, were inaugurated simultaneously by Chief Minister Stalin via videoconferencing. In Trichy, the district revenue officer R Balaji officially dedicated the track in the presence of senior officials.
How the Automated System Works
The automated driving test track enables technology-driven, standardized, and impartial evaluation with no human intervention. Applicants must follow a streamlined process:
- Register on the transport department's Sarathi portal and reserve a test date and time slot.
- Arrive punctually on the test day with all necessary documents and their vehicle.
- Undergo document verification and registration by officials.
- Receive a token to proceed to the automated driving test.
Test results are generated automatically without manual input and emailed directly to the applicant's registered address. In case of failure, reapplication is permitted after a week. Rahul Bharti, senior executive officer for corporate affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, emphasized that the ADTT removes human bias and guarantees that licenses are awarded based solely on driving skills.
This initiative represents a significant step towards enhancing road safety and transparency in the licensing process, setting a new standard for driving tests in Tamil Nadu.
