Is Punjab’s Automated Driving Test Tender a Scam?
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Synopsis
International Road Safety expert Kamal Soi has raised serious concerns over Punjab's tender for automated driving test tracks, terming it a potential scam. With alarming discrepancies in passing rates and allegations of corruption, the situation calls for immediate action from state officials to ensure transparency and fairness.
Key Takeaways
- Kamal Soi's critique highlights serious concerns about transparency in government processes.
- Discrepancies in passing rates raise alarms about driver competency and road safety.
- Previous corruption cases stress the need for accountability in the transport sector.
- Immediate government intervention is crucial to protect public interest.
- HAMS technology has potential but needs proper implementation without delays.
Chandigarh, Sep 12 (NationPress) Renowned International Road Safety expert Kamal Soi on Friday criticized the Punjab government’s recently announced tender for automated driving test tracks (ADTT), labeling it as a “scam in the making” meant to favor a select group of private entities.
Soi, who chairs Raahat -- The Safe Community Foundation, recalled the crackdown by the state Vigilance Bureau in April that unveiled a significant bribe-for-licence scandal across regional transport authority offices and driving test facilities in the state. This operation resulted in 24 arrests, 16 first information reports (FIRs), and the suspension of high-ranking officials, including an ADGP, an SSP (Vigilance), and an AIG-rank officer.
He further pointed out the intentional delay by the state Transport Department in deploying HAMS technology from Microsoft India for driving licence competency assessments in Mohali—a pilot project that had been ready for months but was “deliberately kept on hold”. HAMS was implemented only after media intervention. To date, over 10,000 tests have been carried out using HAMS at the Mohali test track, yielding startling results.
“A mere 40 percent passing rate in Mohali (HAMS-based test) starkly contrasts with the 99 percent passing rate throughout the rest of Punjab, raising serious concerns that the Supreme Court has also highlighted and criticized on several occasions,” he stated.
Despite the clear success of this pilot program, the government has issued a tender notification on September 5 for selecting service providers for the implementation, operation, and maintenance of the automated driving test track, personalizing driving licences, and providing other related services for the Punjab State Transport Society for five years, which appears to be rife with manipulation, favoritism, and corruption.
Soi called on the Chief Minister and the Governor to intervene immediately and halt this “scam in the making”. “If this doesn’t happen, we may have no choice but to approach the judiciary to seek justice for the people of Punjab,” he added.
Point of View
It is imperative to approach the situation with a balanced view. The concerns raised by Kamal Soi regarding the Punjab government's tender for automated driving tests highlight crucial issues of transparency and accountability. It is vital for the government to address these allegations urgently to maintain public trust and ensure the safety of drivers across the state.
NationPress
13/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the controversy surrounding Punjab's automated driving test tender?
International Road Safety expert Kamal Soi has criticized the tender, labeling it a potential scam aimed at benefiting select private players while raising concerns about past corruption in the licensing process.
What are the implications of the low passing rates in the HAMS-based tests?
The significantly low passing rate of 40% in Mohali, compared to 99% in other regions, suggests serious discrepancies in the driving test standards, raising concerns about road safety and driver competency.
What actions have been taken by state authorities regarding corruption?
The state Vigilance Bureau conducted a crackdown that led to multiple arrests and the suspension of high-ranking officials involved in a bribe-for-licence scandal.
What does Kamal Soi urge the Punjab government to do?
Soi calls for immediate intervention from the Chief Minister and the Governor to halt the tender process and ensure justice for the citizens of Punjab.
How has Microsoft contributed to the driving test process?
Microsoft India developed the HAMS technology for driving licence competency tests, which was initially delayed but has since shown promising results at the Mohali test track.
