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Maruti Suzuki Invests $10M in Andhra Pradesh Driver Safety

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. invests-10m-in-andhra-pradesh-driver-safety.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, February 6th 2026 at 23:02 GMT by The Hans India
      Locales: Andhra Pradesh, INDIA

Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh - February 7th, 2026 - Maruti Suzuki, India's leading automobile manufacturer, is significantly bolstering road safety initiatives in Andhra Pradesh with a \$10 million investment to establish four state-of-the-art, automated driving test tracks. The tracks will be strategically located in Vijayawada, Tirupati, Vizianagaram, and Kakinada, aiming to modernize driver testing and drastically improve road safety standards across the state.

The announcement, made earlier today, confirms the project is on schedule for completion by March 2026. This initiative is a direct response to the rising concerns surrounding road accidents and the need for more robust and objective driver evaluation methods. Currently, driver testing in many parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh, relies heavily on subjective assessments, often leading to inconsistencies and potentially allowing inadequately prepared drivers onto public roads.

These new facilities will represent a paradigm shift in driver assessment. Each track will be equipped with a sophisticated array of sensors, cameras, and data analysis systems. The automated system will meticulously evaluate crucial driving skills such as reaction time, lane discipline, vehicle control, braking efficiency, and hazard perception. Unlike traditional tests, the automated system eliminates human bias, providing a truly objective and consistent evaluation of each driver's capabilities. Scores will be generated based on quantifiable data, ensuring fairness and transparency.

"This isn't simply about building test tracks; it's about building a safer future for Andhra Pradesh," explained a Maruti Suzuki spokesperson. "We recognize that skilled and responsible drivers are the cornerstone of road safety. By providing a standardized and objective testing platform, we aim to significantly reduce accidents and save lives. We are confident these tracks will become models for driver testing centers throughout India."

The investment is part of Maruti Suzuki's broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and its 'Safety First' campaign, which includes various initiatives focused on driver training, road infrastructure improvement, and public awareness programs. The company has been piloting similar automated testing systems in other states, gathering valuable data and refining the technology before implementing it on a larger scale in Andhra Pradesh.

Transport Minister Chevireddy Bhaskar Reddy expressed strong support for the project, hailing it as a "game-changer" for road safety in the state. "The Andhra Pradesh government is fully committed to reducing road accidents and improving the overall safety of our roads. Maruti Suzuki's initiative aligns perfectly with our vision," he stated during the signing ceremony. "We will actively collaborate with Maruti Suzuki to ensure the smooth implementation and effective operation of these test tracks. We also plan to integrate the data generated from these tracks into our driver rehabilitation programs, offering targeted training to address specific skill deficiencies."

Industry analysts predict that this investment will not only enhance road safety but also stimulate economic growth in the regions where the test tracks are located. The facilities are expected to create numerous employment opportunities, ranging from track maintenance personnel to certified driving instructors and data analysts. Furthermore, the adoption of advanced technology will attract other automotive-related businesses and contribute to the development of a skilled workforce.

Beyond the immediate benefits, this project is expected to pave the way for the implementation of a points-based driver's license system in Andhra Pradesh, where drivers with consistently poor performance on automated tests could face restrictions or mandatory retraining. This proactive approach to driver management is seen as a vital step towards fostering a culture of responsible driving and reducing the number of preventable accidents.

The successful implementation of these tracks could also serve as a blueprint for other states across India seeking to modernize their driver testing procedures and improve road safety. Maruti Suzuki is already in discussions with several other state governments about replicating the Andhra Pradesh model, potentially leading to a nationwide overhaul of driver evaluation standards.