RAWLPINDI: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) would engage automobile workshops in the garrison city to implement a system of inspection and fitness certification for private vehicles and motorcycles with an aim to end pollution.

Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and Punjab Transport and Mass Transit Department are working to launch the project across the province. Applications from workshop owners would be sought to issue them licences to inspect private vehicles and issue them fitness certificates.

A senior official of the district administration told Dawn that the Licensed Automobile Workshops would be established in all big cities, including Rawalpindi. He said the fee for the fitness certificates would be decided after the selection of the workshops. He said the government would also train the staff of the selected workshops on how to examine the vehicles.

Applications from workshop owners would be sought to issue them licences to inspect private vehicles and bikes, says official

“Public transport vehicles must obtain their fitness certificate from Vehicle Inspection and Verification System (VICS) centre already set up at Rawat and Peshawar Road before hitting roads. Other private vehicles will also get fitness certificates in coming days from the workshops selected by government,” he said.

In Rawat, the fitness certification centre is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Issuance of fitness certificates will reduce pollution. Passenger and freight vehicles are being fitted with advanced technology. The fitness test for public transport is mandatory every six months.

Regional Transport Authority Secretary Rashid Ali said the Department of Transport and Metro Transit was launching measures to increase road safety and improve air quality, including a private vehicle inspection and certification system.

“The initiative aims to reduce vehicle emissions, combat smog, and ensure road safety by implementing stricter inspection protocols to comply with emission standards and identify safety,” he said.

The Licensed Automobile Workshops shall conduct their inspection using the Licensed Automobile Workshops Management Information System (LAWMIS).

The Vehicle Inspection and Certificate Centre for public transport has been established at Rawat. The secretary said wheel alignment, suspension, brake inspection, tyre test, appearance test, headlights, seatbelt check, engine sound test and smoke test are conducted at the centre.

It may be mention that in 2017 the provincial government had also tried to establish workshops in the garrison city and the Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation (RMC) had allocated eight kanals at Pirwadhai General Bus Stand to a private company to establish public service vehicle testing workshop. However, the initiative was dropped due to resentment from local workshop owners and traders.

Published in Dawn, August 27th, 2024