As there is only one operational ATS at Ranital, vehicle owners, especially from remote areas, have been facing long travels, delays and rising costs, triggering unrest in the region.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had written to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in this regard earlier this month. However, his response was still awaited.
A circular issued by Additional Chief Secretary (Transport) RD Nazeem stated that the aim of the decision was to ensure uninterrupted service delivery, easing congestion, restoring normal transport operations and preventing further disruption to supply chains and commercial activity.
The government has also directed the National Informatics Centre (NIC) to re-enable the issuance of fitness certificates through the VAHAN portal at the registering authorities. However, the parallel system will not apply to the Kangra and Nagrota Bagwan registering authorities where the ATS-based testing will continue as mandated.
The state government has said that while it supports transition to automated testing as a reform measure, a phased and practical approach is necessary. The latest decision is expected to bring immediate relief to thousands of vehicle owners and operators, who had been hit by delays and uncertainty over fitness certification in recent weeks. The transport unions in Kangra had staged a protest on April 6 against the implementation of the ATS and had been continuously taking up the issue with various authorities.
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