Automated driving test track coming up in Puducherry

Puducherry govt to set up automated driving test track, eliminating human error & reducing wait time for applicants. Ashok Leyland to provide seed money & technical staff, equip facility with latest tech for teaching. Aim to ensure only skilled drivers get licences, making roads safer & avoiding other issues. Tracks to be equipped with cameras & sensors, testing skills such as reversing, parking, overtaking & crossing. Efficient & transparent testing, no tampering & only deserving get licence.

Driving tests in Puducherry will soon become completely automated with the territorial government planning to set up the first technology-aided testing track in the city.

The driving test track will be coming up on 10 acres at Thengaithittu. The facility will eliminate human error and reduce the waiting period for applicants seeking permanent driving licences.

“The Puducherry Government has signed a pact with Ashok Leyland for setting up the Institute of Driver Training and Research (IDTR) in Puducherry and Regional Driver Training Centre in Karaikal. A committee will be constituted comprising officials from Ashok Leyland and the State Transport Authority (STA),” an official source said.

“Initially, the seed money will be provided by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (Ashok Leyland) who will appoint technical staff to run the IDTR. The OEM will also impart training to existing and aspiring drivers,” the source added.

The IDTR will be equipped with the latest technologies for the purpose of teaching such as online tutoring, extensive interactive simulation, and touch simulation. The applicants will also be explained on the cut section models of various working systems of an automobile including components as well as static models on driving procedures.

According to a Transport Department official, “A majority of road accidents especially fatalities are mainly due to human error. The project aims to ensure that only drivers with “adequate skills” were granted licences to make the streets safer, but also avoid various other issues related to issuance of licences in the Union Territory.”

The automated testing tracks and other civil infrastructure for the facility have been proposed to be set up at a cost of ₹17.5 crore in Puducherry and ₹5.5 crore in Karaikal. The Government will be sending its proposal to the Central Institute of Road Transport. Once approved, CIRT will be sending a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) for sanctioning of funds.