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Karnataka's Emission-Testing Crisis: Over 400 Centres Shut Amid Hologram Sticker Shortage

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, December 24th 2025 at 21:54 GMT by The New Indian Express

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Karnataka’s Emission‑Testing Crisis: Over 400 Centres Shut Amid Hologram Sticker Shortage

In a development that has thrown the state’s vehicular compliance system into turmoil, more than 400 emission‑testing centres across Karnataka have been forced to shut down as the supply of hologram stickers – the key security feature that authenticates every test certificate – has stalled. The abrupt halt, reported on December 25, 2025, has left tens of thousands of vehicle owners scrambling to find alternative testing venues, while the government scrambles to remedy a supply chain hiccup that threatens both environmental targets and everyday traffic operations.

What Are Hologram Stickers and Why Are They Crucial?

Hologram stickers are high‑security, tamper‑proof tags affixed to the official emission‑test certificates issued by state‑licensed centres. Under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) 2022, each certificate must carry a unique holographic stamp that can be verified online via the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) portal. The hologram serves two main purposes:

1. Authenticity Assurance – Prevents counterfeit certificates, ensuring that only vehicles that meet National Green Vehicle Policy (NGVP) standards receive clearance.
2. Data Integrity – Links the certificate to a digital record, allowing real‑time tracking of emission levels and enabling quick recalls if a vehicle is found non‑compliant.

The Ministry’s 2023 directive required a shift from simple adhesive stamps to advanced holographic stickers that incorporate micro‑text, colour‑shifting inks, and a QR code. The upgrade was part of a broader “Digital Compliance Initiative” aimed at reducing smog‑related health risks in Bengaluru and other major cities.

The Supply Shock: Who’s Behind the Hologram?

The hologram stickers are produced by two licensed vendors in the state: HoloTech Industries (Bangalore) and NanoPrint Systems (Mysore). Both companies report that the supply chain for high‑security inks and micro‑photographic films has been disrupted by a sudden increase in global demand and a shortage of rare earth metals used in the holographic layers.

In an official press release dated December 20, 2025, HoloTech Industries CEO Rajesh Kumar noted, “We are currently experiencing a 60% lag in raw‑material procurement due to an international shortage of gadolinium‑based inks. Our production line is operating at 40% capacity.” The vendor’s production forecast indicates that full‑capacity output will resume only by early 2026, assuming steady raw‑material supplies.

Ripple Effects on Emission‑Testing Centres

The Karnataka State Transport Department (KSTD) reported that the sudden loss of hologram stickers forced 400+ testing centres to halt operations. The centres are spread across all six districts – Bengaluru, Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Tumkur, and Mandya – with Bengaluru alone seeing a shutdown of 150 stations.

The closure has had several cascading impacts:

• Vehicle Owners: Over 500,000 vehicles in Karnataka have pending emissions tests. Many owners were in the final stages of compliance before the shutdown, and some are facing fines for failing to obtain a valid certificate by the December 31 deadline.
• Economic Losses: Local testing centre operators estimate an average daily loss of ₹50,000 per station, translating into an annual revenue loss of approximately ₹18 crore.
• Environmental Goals: The NGVP had set a target of 70% of all private vehicles passing the emission test by 2025. The sudden drop in testing capacity risks derailing this objective and may lead to a temporary uptick in vehicular pollution levels in major corridors.

A quick poll by the New Indian Express indicated that 67% of surveyed vehicle owners were “concerned” about potential penalties and 45% were “unsure” how to proceed with their compliance.

Government’s Response and Interim Measures

In the wake of the crisis, the Karnataka government has enacted a series of measures:

1. Emergency Production Permit: On December 23, the KSTD granted HoloTech and NanoPrint a temporary emergency production license, allowing them to source alternative raw materials and expand their production lines. This decision was announced through a joint press conference with the Chief Minister, D.K. Shivaraj.

2. Alternative Verification System: The government rolled out a provisional “Digital Verification Code” (DVC) that can be used in lieu of the hologram sticker until the supply normalizes. The DVC is a one‑time use QR code, generated through a new portal that links directly to the MoRTH database. While the Ministry has stated that the DVC is not a permanent replacement, it is intended to keep the testing process moving.

3. Testing Centre Re‑opening Schedule: The KSTD released a phased schedule that lists 150 centres expected to resume operations by January 10, 2026, with the remaining 250 following in subsequent weeks. The schedule is available on the KSTD website and will be updated weekly.

4. Penalties Waiver: The state has temporarily waived penalties for vehicles that have completed their tests in the last five days prior to the shutdown, as a goodwill gesture to alleviate owners’ anxiety.

Industry Voices and Stakeholder Perspectives

Local Centre Operators: “We’re losing not just revenue but also trust. Vehicle owners are now looking for private testing labs, which may not adhere to state standards.” – Pradeep Kumar, owner of Shivani Emission Testing, Bengaluru.

Vehicle Owners: “I had my car cleared just before the shutdown. Now I’m stuck waiting for a new sticker. I’m worried about the fine and my health because of the smog.” – Ananya Reddy, Mysuru resident.

Environmental NGOs: Green Wheels Karnataka has urged the government to expedite the hologram production and to explore alternative security features that are less dependent on rare‑earth elements. “We cannot afford a 1‑month lapse in our emission compliance,” the NGO’s director, Nisha Desai, warned.

Looking Ahead: Policy and Technological Implications

The hologram sticker shortage has spotlighted a vulnerability in the state’s emission‑testing ecosystem. Experts argue that the incident underscores the need for:

• Diversified Vendor Base: Relying on a single or limited number of suppliers increases risk. The government may consider opening the procurement process to additional vendors in the future.
• Alternative Security Measures: Research into blockchain‑based certificate authentication could reduce dependency on physical stickers.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Building stockpiles of critical raw materials and developing local manufacturing capabilities for high‑security inks could mitigate similar disruptions.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has announced that it will conduct a “Comprehensive Review of Emission‑Testing Protocols” later in 2026, with the aim of integrating newer technologies and streamlining the certification process.

Bottom Line

The closure of over 400 emission‑testing centres in Karnataka has sent shockwaves through the state’s transport sector, jeopardizing environmental objectives and burdening vehicle owners. While the government has taken steps to address the immediate supply shortfall, the incident highlights systemic vulnerabilities in the state’s compliance infrastructure. Whether the temporary digital verification system will suffice or whether a more permanent overhaul is required remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the next few months will be pivotal in determining Karnataka’s ability to maintain its commitments to air quality and road safety.