L-G VK Saxena inaugurates Automated Driving Testing Centre at Kurbathang in Kargil

Kargil, July 26: Marking another significant milestone in the Administration’s efforts to promote transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric governance, Li eutenant Governor, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena, today inaugurated the state-of-the-art Automated Driving Testing Centre (ADTC) at Kurbathang, Kargil. Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon and Member of Parliament from Ladakh, Shri Mohmad Haneefa Jan were present during the inauguration.

Developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, the Automated Driving Testing Centre has been constructed at a cost of approximately ₹2.48 crore. The facility is equipped with advanced sensor-based and fully automated technologies that will ensure objective, scientific and transparent assessment of driving skills for the issuance of driving licences.

The Centre incorporates advanced technologies, including RFID-enabled applicant identification, laser and infrared sensors, electronic sensor-based driving track, high-resolution CCTV surveillance, automated scoring software, computerised test monitoring system, real-time data processing, digital result generation, automated pass/fail evaluation system, and seamless integration with the VAHAN and SARATHI platforms. These technologies eliminate human bias and provide an objective assessment of driving skills, ensuring that only qualified drivers are issued driving licences.

The facility has been developed in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways and comprises Computerised Testing and Control Room, Automated Driving Test Track, CCTV Surveillance System and other essential utilities.

Addressing the gathering, L-G Shri Saxena emphasised the importance of responsible driving, and observed that safe roads begin with safe drivers. He noted that a driving licence is not merely a document but a certification that a person is capable of driving responsibly while ensuring the safety of both self and fellow road users. He underlined the need for driving tests to be conducted in a fair, scientific and completely transparent manner.

“The Automated Driving Testing Centre reflects our commitment to Digital India, e-Governance and Good Governance. By ensuring a transparent and technology-driven licensing system, we are not only improving public service delivery but also strengthening road safety across Ladakh. I am confident that this Centre will emerge as a model for transport reforms in the Union Territory,” said L-G Shri Saxena.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the new system would enhance public trust in the Transport Department by making the driving licence process faster, more transparent and efficient. He added that improved driving standards would contribute significantly towards reducing road accidents and promoting safer roads in the region.

Appealing to the citizens of Ladakh, L-G Shri Saxena urged everyone to treat obtaining a driving licence as a responsibility towards society rather than merely a legal requirement. He called upon motorists to strictly follow traffic rules, observe speed limits, wear seat belts and helmets, and always drive responsibly, noting that a small act of caution can save many precious lives.