Has the TN govt made GPS tracking essential for public service vehicles?
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Synopsis
The Tamil Nadu government has mandated GPS tracking for public service vehicles to ensure passenger safety and improve transport monitoring. This initiative aligns with national standards and will enhance oversight and transparency in public transport operations, ultimately boosting passenger confidence.
Key Takeaways
- The Tamil Nadu government mandates GPS tracking for all public service vehicles.
- Compliance with AIS-140 standards is required.
- Manufacturers must register and have approved models.
- 24x7 support systems will be established for vehicle owners.
- This initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and transparency in transportation.
Chennai, Sep 1 (NationPress) In an effort to enhance passenger safety and bolster the oversight of the transportation sector, the Tamil Nadu government has mandated that all public service vehicles be equipped with standardized Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs).
This directive, issued by the Home (Transport) Department, ensures adherence to Automotive Industry Standard-140 (AIS-140) for all vehicles categorized under public service and transportation as per the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
This initiative aligns with a national framework initiated by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). The government has designated the Transport and Road Safety Commissioner to oversee the registration and activation process of these devices.
Manufacturers wishing to supply and install VLTDs must register their models with the Commissioner beforehand.
They must possess a valid AIS-140 type approval certificate from accredited testing agencies and maintain sufficient fitment centers across the state to provide timely service and maintenance.
The Transport Commissioner will soon call for Expressions of Interest from qualified firms, which must submit applications within 30 working days. Each submission requires a non-refundable fee of Rs 25,000 per device model and must include complete sample sets for assessment.
The devices will be subjected to rigorous testing for AIS-140 compliance and compatibility with the state's backend monitoring platform, managed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC). This evaluation is set to be completed within 30 days. Only models that successfully pass the testing and gain registration will be authorized for use in vehicles within the state.
The order also provides consumer protection measures. Registered manufacturers must establish a 24x7 support system for vehicle owners and set up service centers at zonal levels to ensure readily available assistance.
Officials assert that this initiative will facilitate real-time tracking of public service vehicles, enhance safety protocols, and improve monitoring efficiency. Once fully operational, the system is expected to deliver greater transparency in public transport operations and enhance passenger trust.
Point of View
The Tamil Nadu government's initiative on mandatory GPS tracking for public service vehicles reflects a growing trend towards enhancing safety and operational transparency in transportation. This move not only addresses passenger concerns but also sets a precedent for other states to follow suit, aligning local policies with national safety standards.
NationPress
01/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is GPS tracking mandatory for public service vehicles?
The Tamil Nadu government aims to enhance passenger safety and improve monitoring of the transport sector.
What is AIS-140?
AIS-140 is the Automotive Industry Standard that ensures the compliance of vehicle location tracking devices.
Who oversees the registration of VLTDs?
The Transport and Road Safety Commissioner supervises the registration and activation process of VLTDs.
What is the fee for applying to supply VLTDs?
Manufacturers must submit a non-refundable fee of Rs 25,000 per device model.
What happens if a VLTD model fails the testing process?
Only those models that successfully pass the testing will be authorized for use in vehicles in the state.
