HT Bureau
GUWAHATI, Oct 10: A momentous occasion unfolded in Assam on Tuesday, as the Assam State Transport Corporation and the Transport Department, government of Assam, under the presence of Parimal Suklabaidya, the transport minister, formally inked an Agreement to establish four Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across the state.
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These ATS projects are set to revolutionise vehicle fitness testing and promote road safety and environmental compliance. Operated through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and the Built, Own, Operate, and Transfer (BOOT) model, this initiative is a collaborative effort between Assam State Transport Corporation, the Transport Department, government of Assam, M/s ITEUVE INDIA Pvt. Ltd, and M/s Applus+ ITEUVE TECHNOLOGY S.L.U, a Spanish stock-listed company.
The Agreement was ceremoniously signed by Rahul Chandra Das, managing director of Assam State Transport Corporation, and Hans Zaergen Schimpgen, along with Dr Satish Batra, president, Horizon Group, Germany, and Rajnish Arora, vice president, Horizon Group, India Office, on behalf of ITEUVE INDIA Pvt. Ltd. This pioneering initiative, the first of its kind in India on PPP mode, aims to enhance road safety by introducing automated vehicle fitness testing, minimizing accidents through reduced manual interventions.
The core focus of the ATS centers will be to assess the roadworthiness of vehicles by rigorously examining various safety parameters, utilizing cutting-edge automated testing equipment aligned with international best practices. This technology-driven approach is instrumental in improving vehicle conditions and mitigating road accidents caused by vehicular malfunctions.
Moreover, these ATS Centers will address environmental concerns related to vehicle emissions. They will monitor and control vehicle pollution, contributing to a cleaner and greener environment, aligning with Assam’s commitment to eco-friendliness and sustainability.
The centers will establish a comprehensive database, facilitating informed decisions regarding vehicle scrapping initiatives and End of Life vehicle management. This data will also support critical schemes, including the development of vehicle scrapping facilities, promoting the responsible retirement of old vehicles and fostering a cleaner and safer transportation ecosystem.
Assam State Transport Corporation (ASTC) is undergoing a transformation from a conventional bus operator into an aggregator-based service provider. The foundation laying of the I&C Centre and the signing of the ATS centers agreement represent a paradigm shift, showcasing ASTC’s dedication to sustainability and environmentally friendly operations. This transition reflects Assam’s commitment to creating safer roads and a greener future for its citizens, positively impacting the transportation ecosystem.
Funding for these ATS centers follows innovative models such as PPP and BOOT, ensuring sustainability in project funding and operation. The collaborative effort between the Transport Department, ASTC, and private firms like M/S ITEUVE India Pvt. Ltd., and consortium with M/s Applus+ ITEUVE TECHNOLOGY S.L.U, guarantees sustainable funding, supporting the long-term success of the initiative.
Resource allocation involves ASTC and the Transport Department, Govt. of Assam, providing land for the ATS centers, while private firms finance construction, equipment, and operations. This strategic allocation ensures lasting benefits, ownership, sustainability, and accountability.
In conclusion, Assam’s establishment of Automated Testing Stations marks a significant stride toward a safer, cleaner, and more sustainable transportation network. With a focus on road safety, environmental compliance, data-driven decision-making, cutting-edge technology, and ASTC’s commitment to transformation, this initiative promises a brighter future for the region. The assurance of expert guidance and uninterrupted vehicle testing guarantees a superior experience for customers and stakeholders alike.
