Telangana govt to set up 37 Automated Testing Stations; rules out private role

Hyderabad: Ruling out private sector involvement, the Telangana government has proposed setting up 37 Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in district headquarters in a bid to modernise vehicle testing and enhance transparency.

Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar informed the Legislative Council while replying to a question raised by MLC Naveen Kumar.

ATS rollout in the final stage

The minister said that administrative approvals for the project were issued through GO No. 28 by the Transport, Roads & Buildings (TR&B) Department on September 30, 2024. The process of establishing the ATS facilities is currently in its final stage.

He clarified that all ATS centres will be operated entirely under government control, with no involvement of private agencies.

Phased implementation plan

According to the minister, the ATS facilities will be implemented in phases, 15 centres in the first phase and 22 in the second, depending on land availability across districts.

Green tax and EV incentives

The government collected ₹68.11 crore as green tax on old vehicles during the 2024–25 financial year and ₹71.14 crore in 2025–26. While these funds are utilised by the department, the government is simultaneously promoting environmental protection by offering 100% tax exemption on electric vehicles.

Vehicle scrappage policy gains momentum

Prabhakar said the state is effectively implementing the vehicle scrappage policy. Currently, three registered vehicle scrapping facilities are operational in Telangana.

To encourage the scrapping of old vehicles, the government is offering liability waivers and tax concessions.

Push for transparency in driving licences

The minister announced that automatic driving testing systems will soon be introduced to ensure transparency in issuing driving licences. Advanced technology will replace manual interventions in the testing process.

Integration with national platforms

Highlighting digital reforms, the minister said Telangana has now joined the Sarathi portal for driving licence services and will be integrated with the Vahan portal from the 23rd of this month.

He pointed out that while 29 states across the country had already adopted these platforms, Telangana had lagged for the past decade. The present government prioritised and completed the integration soon after coming to power.

Over 50 reforms in transport department

The minister stated that more than 50 reforms have been implemented in the transport department since the current government assumed office. Vehicle registrations have been simplified, with services now being offered directly at automobile showrooms to reduce inconvenience for citizens.

Focus on road safety and driver training

Emphasising road safety, Prabhakar said the government is conducting awareness programmes and prioritising strict safety measures.

Drivers recruited into RTC are being provided six months of training through the Police Recruitment Board before induction.

Additional infrastructure initiatives

The government is also open to developing parking facilities at city entry points, provided suitable land is made available.

He added that the department has introduced a new identity, including a revised logo, and streamlined operations to improve public service delivery.