Anantapur: The Andhra Pradesh government has authorised private agencies to issue fitness certificates (FCs) for commercial vehicles, removing the role of Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). The move aims to eliminate corruption and streamline the process using modern, automated vehicle testing stations (ATS).Initially, the deputy transport commissioner’s offices in Anantapur, Nandyal, Kakinada, and Anakapalli stopped issuing FCs from January 27. The transport department has now directed vehicle owners to obtain certificates from ATS centres in district headquarters.The state introduced the ATS system in October last year, following guidelines from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. While several states have already implemented it, Andhra Pradesh launched the first phase on a trial basis in three districts and invited tenders for others.However, confusion over fee remittance delayed the system’s implementation. Private agencies, responsible for setting up ATS centres, started issuing FCs in October but halted operations after disputes over payment collection. The agencies approached the government, arguing that, as per central guidelines, they were entitled to collect fees directly.Despite this, the transport department initially continued issuing FCs through RTOs while seeking approval from the state finance department to transfer funds to private agencies. A government order issued recently has now directed the transport department to transfer vehicle owners’ fee payments to the agencies.Anantapur deputy transport commissioner Veera Raju confirmed that FCs will now be issued exclusively at ATS centres. “From now on, commercial vehicles must visit private testing stations and pay the prescribed challan for certification. RTOs are no longer involved in the process,” he said.ATS centres use automated, scientific methods to assess vehicle fitness, reducing human discretion, ensuring transparency, and maintaining result integrity through recorded visual checks and audits. Previously, middlemen facilitated FC approvals through RTOs, but they no longer have any role under the new system.The ATS online portal (AFMS) allows citizens to book test slots, view results, and download certificates. The system also integrates with RTOs and the Vahan database, preventing fraudulent approvals. Authorities have already detected several vehicles that unlawfully altered their chassis and previously secured FCs. Under the new system, such vehicles are facing rejection due to enhanced scrutiny.Process and Types of Tests at ATSATS inspections include visual tests, functional tests across three stations, and automated reporting. Visual checks cover essential components like headlamps, rearview mirrors, braking systems, and specific safety devices.1. Information-Only Tests: These provide health insights without affecting the fitness status.2. Status Unfit upon failure tests: Essential for smooth vehicle operation; failure results in “Unfit” status until retesting.3. End-of-life vehicle (ELV) tests: Critical for road safety. Failure to pass within 180 days results in the vehicle being flagged as ELV in the Vahan system.During testing, ATS staff performs visual inspections under CCTV surveillance in designated bays, with photographs stored for at least six months for audit purposes. The vehicle is then guided through three testing stations for functional assessments. All test data is masked and encrypted, with the final report generated automatically.Visual inspections include:1. Headlamp assembly2. Lights3. Rearview mirrors4. Safety glass5. Horn6. Silencer7. Windscreen wiper8. Braking system9. Dashboard equipment10. Speedometer11. Rear and lateral under-run protection devices12. FASTag13. Seatbelts, and more
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