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Vizag Goes Digital: Automated Vehicle Tests Now Approved

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. igital-automated-vehicle-tests-now-approved.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 2:45 GMT by The Hans India

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Vizag Rolls into the Digital Age: Automated Vehicle Testing Now Approved

In a landmark move that underscores the state’s commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure, the Andhra Pradesh government has announced that automated equipment tests will now be permissible for vehicles in Visakhapatnam (Vizag). The decision, which was formally ratified on March 23, 2024, marks a significant shift from the traditional, labor‑intensive inspection process that has long been a bottleneck for both motorists and authorities alike.

Why the Shift?

The impetus behind the change is twofold. First, there is an urgent need to reduce the backlogs that plague the city’s vehicle inspection centers. As the article notes, the current manual process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour per vehicle, depending on the number of vehicles queued and the staffing levels at the inspection hub. “The automated equipment tests are expected to slash inspection times by up to 70 %,” the piece quotes a senior officer from the Motor Vehicle Department.

Second, the shift aligns with the broader “Smart India” initiative that the state has been promoting since 2022. Under this initiative, local governments are encouraged to adopt digitized solutions for public services, ranging from e‑govt portals to AI‑powered traffic management systems. The introduction of automated equipment tests is thus not merely an administrative convenience—it is a tangible manifestation of Vizag’s ambition to become a “digital city.”

What Is an Automated Equipment Test?

In practice, the automated equipment test comprises a series of computer‑controlled diagnostics that run on a vehicle’s onboard systems. The key components examined include:

1. Emission Control Systems – Sensors verify that catalytic converters and exhaust gas recirculation units are functioning within prescribed thresholds.
2. Brake and Safety Systems – Brake pads, ABS modules, and steering assist systems are scanned for faults that could compromise safety.
3. Engine Management – Parameters such as fuel injection timing, ignition coil performance, and idle control are checked against manufacturer specifications.
4. Electrical and Wiring – Comprehensive checks for short circuits, grounding issues, and sensor anomalies are performed automatically.

The tests are executed through a specialized interface that connects to the vehicle’s On‑Board Diagnostics (OBD) port. Once the diagnostics are complete, the system generates a digital report that can be instantly uploaded to the state’s vehicle registration database.

Who’s Involved?

The article lays out a clear chain of responsibility:

• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Visakhapatnam – The primary regulator, tasked with issuing guidelines, ensuring that all testing centers meet the required technical specifications, and overseeing compliance.
• Vizag Municipal Corporation – The city’s administrative body, responsible for allocating space for the new testing booths and coordinating with local traffic authorities to manage the flow of vehicles.
• IT Solutions Partner – A consortium of tech firms, led by a local startup called AutoDiagnose (a name borrowed from an article linked within the main piece), has been contracted to develop the diagnostic software and maintain the servers that host the vehicle data.
• State Transport Ministry – The overarching policy body, which approved the pilot program after a rigorous review of the cost‑benefit analysis presented by the DMV.

A noteworthy collaboration is the partnership between the DMV and AutoDiagnose to create a user-friendly mobile app. The app allows motorists to book inspection slots, receive real‑time updates on their vehicle’s status, and even pay the inspection fee digitally.

How It Works for Motorists

Once a vehicle owner schedules a slot through the app or at the physical counter, the process unfolds as follows:

1. Check‑In – The driver presents the vehicle’s registration and insurance documents. The vehicle is then keyed into the automated system using a QR code.
2. Diagnostic Run – Within a span of 5–7 minutes, the OBD port conducts the full suite of tests. The vehicle’s data is streamed to the cloud in real time.
3. Result Generation – A “Digital Health Report” is automatically compiled. If the vehicle passes all checks, the report is signed digitally by a DMV officer and sent to the owner via email or SMS.
4. Result Verification – The driver can log into the portal and verify the validity of the report, which is linked to the vehicle’s registration record in the state’s database.

The new system also integrates a “self‑diagnosis” feature for certain vehicles, allowing owners to run preliminary checks on their own before booking a formal inspection. This is especially useful for commercial fleets, the article notes, where downtime can translate into significant revenue losses.

Cost and Funding

One of the article’s key points is that the state has earmarked ₹12 crore from the 2024–25 budget for the rollout. The funds will cover:

• Installation of 18 automated diagnostic stations across the city.
• Training programs for 120 DMV officers on software usage and data interpretation.
• Continuous maintenance contracts with the IT partner for software updates and server hosting.

In addition, a subsidy scheme has been announced for small vehicle owners and public transport operators. Those who register their vehicles through the new system will receive a 10 % discount on the inspection fee for the first year.

Public Response and Future Plans

While the majority of respondents to the article’s poll—over 70 %—view the change favorably, a small segment of the public expresses concerns about data security and the potential for “digital exclusion” among older or less tech‑savvy drivers. The DMV has pledged to address these concerns by establishing dedicated support counters and providing free Wi‑Fi to facilitate digital transactions.

The article’s linked statement from the Minister of Transportation, Mr. R. Prakash, reads: “We are committed to ensuring that every resident of Vizag can access efficient, reliable, and transparent vehicle services. The automated equipment tests are just the beginning; we plan to extend similar digital solutions to toll collection, parking, and traffic law enforcement in the coming years.”

Beyond Vizag

Finally, the article highlights how Vizag’s adoption of automated equipment tests could serve as a blueprint for other cities in Andhra Pradesh. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has already expressed interest in piloting the system in Guntur and Vijayawada, citing Vizag’s success metrics as a compelling case study.

In conclusion, the shift to automated equipment tests in Vizag signals a decisive move toward greater efficiency, data‑driven governance, and customer‑centric service delivery. By reducing inspection times, cutting costs, and enabling real‑time data access, the city is setting a new standard for vehicle management in India’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.