Transport Operators in Bengal Petition Government Over VLTD System Issues
In a significant development, transport operators in West Bengal have formally petitioned the state transport department, seeking urgent government intervention. The petition, submitted on Thursday, highlights critical glitches in the Vehicle Location Tracking Device (VLTD) system that are causing substantial delays in the issuance of mandatory fitness certificates (CF) for thousands of public transport vehicles across the state.
Operators Urge Government to Reconsider VLTD Mandate
The transport operators have specifically urged the government not to make VLTD fitment or recharge mandatory at the time of CF issuance. According to existing regulations, a fitness certificate cannot be issued unless the VLTD system for a vehicle receives clearance. This requirement has become a major bottleneck due to ongoing technical failures in the system.
The Joint Forum of Transport Operators, representing the petitioners, has pointed out a concerning lack of clarity regarding VLTD fitment and recharge procedures over the past couple of years. The forum revealed that the fitment of VLTD devices was temporarily put on hold for numerous vehicles during this period. However, operators have recently been informed through official notices that VLTD fitment and recharge would once again be treated as mandatory prerequisites for obtaining fitness certificates.
Lack of Communication and Technical Resolution
The petitioners have expressed frustration over not being informed about the outcome of earlier technical failures or the current status of the VLTD system. This communication gap has left transport operators in a state of uncertainty, unable to proceed with necessary compliance measures.
Transporters have proposed a practical solution: until a uniform and reliable recharge procedure is finalized, the issuance of fitness certificates and permit renewals should not be withheld. This recommendation aims to prevent further disruptions to public transportation services while technical issues are being resolved.
The situation underscores the challenges faced by the transport sector in adapting to technological mandates without adequate infrastructure support. The operators' petition calls for a balanced approach that ensures safety compliance without crippling the essential public transport network through procedural delays.
