Telangana to roll out 37 automatic vehicle testing centres; First launch by June 1

Hyderabad: Telangana Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar has directed officials to intensify enforcement measures to increase departmental revenue while simultaneously reducing road accidents across the state.

Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, the minister stressed that strict enforcement should not inconvenience the public and that services must remain smooth and accessible.

Automatic testing stations by June 1

The state has sanctioned 37 Automatic Testing Stations. Officials were instructed to fast-track works to operationalise the first centre by June 1, aiming to improve vehicle fitness testing and road safety standards.

Transport earned Rs 6,910.90 crore in 2024-25

The Transport Department generated Rs 6,910.90 crore in 2024–25 and Rs 7,097.38 crore in 2025–26.

While officials pointed out a dip due to the EV policy, the minister instructed them to compensate by strengthening enforcement and exploring alternative revenue streams.

Officers who achieved tax collection targets were appreciated, while others were warned to improve performance.

Tight vigil on interstate vehicles

Officials in border districts like Nizamabad, Adilabad and Medak were asked to closely monitor vehicles entering from neighbouring states and ensure proper tax compliance to prevent revenue leakage.

‘Clear pending public services’

The minister emphasised clearing pending driving licences and RC cards without delay.

He also directed officials to ensure seamless vehicle registration at dealer points and resolve technical issues on the Vahan portal to avoid inconvenience to citizens.

Telangana leads in Sarathi implementation

Highlighting a major achievement, the minister said Telangana secured the top position nationally within eight months of implementing the Sarathi system. He called for phased training programs for all officials to further improve service delivery.

‘Arrive Alive’ campaign to focus on road safety

To curb rising road accidents, the minister urged officials to make the ‘Arrive Alive’ campaign a success through coordination with police and RTC departments. Awareness will focus on key violations such as overspeeding, drunk driving, overloading and non-use of helmets and seat belts.

Boost to road safety and EV adoption

The minister called for stricter implementation of safety measures like reflective radium stickers and regular district-level reviews.

He noted that nearly Rs 1,000 crore in tax exemptions has been provided under the EV policy and urged government employees to promote electric vehicle usage.

Rahveer scheme awareness drive

Officials were asked to create awareness about the Rahveer Scheme and cashless treatment facilities. Under the scheme, citizens who help accident victims receive Rs 25,000, while victims can avail free treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh under central assistance programs.

Action on violations and infrastructure expansion

The minister directed strict action against illegal sand transport, mining violations and vehicle overloading. He also asked officials to identify land for transport offices in 17 districts and clear all pending service backlogs to improve efficiency.