Ahmedabad RTO at Subhash Bridge opens with automated driving test track
Synopsis
Ahmedabad's new Subhash Bridge RTO isn't just a bigger office — it brings an automated driving test track that removes human discretion from licence issuance, a reform that addresses one of India's most persistent transport governance problems. With all vehicle and licensing services now under one roof, the facility sets a benchmark Gujarat may replicate statewide.
Key Takeaways
Ahmedabad inaugurated a new Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Subhash Bridge on 9 July 2025 .
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the facility, calling it 'technology-driven, transparent and speedy.' The RTO features an automated driving test track to ensure only qualified applicants receive driving licences.
Services consolidated include vehicle registration , permits , fitness certification , driving licences , AMC tax payments , and more.
The facility was developed by Gujarat's Ports and Transport Department .
Ahmedabad received a new Regional Transport Office (RTO) at Subhash Bridge on 9 July 2025, as Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi inaugurated the facility and described it as a step toward technology-driven, transparent, and faster delivery of transport-related public services. The modern office, developed by the state government's Ports and Transport Department, consolidates a wide range of vehicle and licensing services under a single roof.
What the New RTO Offers
The facility houses dedicated counters for both non-transport and transport-related vehicle services, covering new vehicle registrations, permits, fitness certification, blacklist-related work, driving licences, the DL and challan branch, RMA services, AMC tax payments, and cash transactions. The one-stop design is intended to reduce the need for citizens to visit multiple offices for routine transport paperwork.
Automated Driving Test Track: The Centrepiece
Among the facility's headline features is an automated driving test track, which Sanghavi called a game-changer for licence issuance. 'The automated driving test track will bring complete transparency to the driving licence process, and only applicants who meet the required standards will be granted driving licences,' he said at the inauguration. The automated system removes subjective assessment from the testing process — a long-standing concern in India's driving licence ecosystem, where manual evaluations have been criticised for inconsistency and, in some cases, malpractice.
What the Government Said
Addressing the gathering, Sanghavi said the state government was committed to providing 'technology-driven, transparent and speedy services' to citizens, adding that the new office would make driving licence-related work 'more accessible and convenient.' He also stressed the importance of coordination between elected representatives and the administration. 'Public representatives and the administration must work in coordination so that the benefits of all government facilities reach the last citizen,' he said. He appealed to visitors to treat the premises as shared public property and help keep it clean and well organised.
Who Was Present at the Inauguration
The inauguration was attended by Urban Development Minister of State Darshana Vaghela, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, Member of Parliament Dinesh Makwana, city Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Prerak Shah, several MLAs, Additional Chief Secretary Harit Shukla, Transport Commissioner Rajendrakumar, senior departmental officials, and local residents.
Broader Context
The Subhash Bridge RTO is part of Gujarat's wider push to modernise citizen-facing government infrastructure. Automated driving test tracks have been rolled out in select cities across India in recent years as part of a national effort to standardise licence testing and curb irregularities. Ahmedabad, as Gujarat's largest city, has seen growing demand for transport services amid rapid urbanisation, making the upgrade particularly significant for the region's residents.
Point of View
Not just an infrastructure upgrade. Gujarat's move to install one in Ahmedabad's busiest RTO signals intent, but the real measure will be whether the automation is maintained and whether pass-fail data is made public. One-stop service consolidation is welcome, but without digitised queue management and appointment systems, physical congestion often simply moves indoors. The state should publish monthly service delivery metrics from this facility to hold the promise of transparency to account.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ahmedabad's new RTO located?
The new Regional Transport Office is located at Subhash Bridge in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. It was inaugurated on 9 July 2025 by Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.
What is the automated driving test track at the new Ahmedabad RTO?
The automated driving test track is a technology-based system that evaluates driving licence applicants without relying on manual, subjective assessment. Deputy CM Sanghavi said it will ensure 'complete transparency' and that only applicants meeting required standards will be granted licences.
What services are available at the new Ahmedabad RTO?
The facility offers a comprehensive range of transport services under one roof, including new vehicle registrations, permits, fitness certification, blacklist-related work, driving licences, DL and challan branch services, RMA services, AMC tax payments, and cash transactions.
Who attended the inauguration of the new Ahmedabad RTO?
The inauguration was attended by Urban Development Minister of State Darshana Vaghela, Ahmedabad Mayor Hitesh Barot, MP Dinesh Makwana, BJP city president Prerak Shah, several MLAs, Additional Chief Secretary Harit Shukla, and Transport Commissioner Rajendrakumar.
Why does the automated driving test track matter?
Automated driving test tracks remove human discretion from the licence evaluation process, addressing long-standing concerns about inconsistency and malpractice in manual testing. The system is part of a broader national push to standardise driving assessments across Indian cities.
