The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: In a significant development, Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has announced vehicles older than 15 years won’t be registered in the state and such vehicles would have to be scrapped.
Addressing the media, Agnihotri said manual testing for vehicle fitness would be discontinued in the state from October 1 and the task would be handed over to automated testing centres (ATS). He said vehicles failing the automated test twice would face scrappage.
The Deputy Chief Minister said Himachal Pradesh would introduce vehicle scrapping facilities with the establishment of six scrapping centres. “Expressions of interest have been sought for these centres, with the scrapping process set to commence after their establishment. Previously, vehicles were sent to the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation of India. Notably, the registration of government vehicles older than 15 years has been cancelled, redirecting them towards scrappage,” he said.
₹11 crore revenue from fancy number series
Deputy CM Agnihotri disclosed that the state government has expanded the provision of number series to private vehicles, which was initially exclusive to government vehicles. The allocation is now based on bids, with bids exceeding Rs 5 lakh. Five number series have been released, one of which fetched an impressive Rs 35 lakh. A total of 3,155 fancy numbers have been issued, contributing Rs 11 crore to the revenue of the Transport Department.
Relief for Outstanding State Road Tax
Agnihotri announced relief measures for vehicles with pending State Road Tax (SRT) for several years. These vehicles will now only need to pay 10 per cent of the penalty, with no additional interest charges. The department has already collected Rs 50 lakh through this initiative.
₹5,000 reward for taking injured to hospital
The Deputy CM assured that individuals aiding the injured by transporting them to the hospital will receive a reward of Rs 5,000. This initiative aims to encourage prompt assistance without harassment from the police.
E-challan system to be introduced soon
The Transport Department, under Agnihotri’s guidance, is set to launch a three-month road safety campaign from January 15. The campaign aims to raise awareness about traffic rules, following which strict actions will be taken against rule violators. Efforts will also be directed towards improving accident-prone spots on roads. Additionally, the department will introduce an e-challan system, allowing on-the-spot fine payments. Twelve barriers within the transport department will be equipped with an intelligent management system, initiating automated challans.
