Delhi okays fitness tests for auto-rickshaws at zonal offices

NEW DELHI: To ease the load on the Transport Authority licensing centre at Burari, the Delhi government has permitted fitness of auto-rickshaws at all 13 zonal offices of the authority in the city, an official said on Thursday.

"The government was planning to decentralize the transport authority as the load on it was high. Now auto-rickshaw owners have the liberty to approach the nearest motor licensing offices (MLO) for a fitness certificate of their vehicle," said, a senior transport department officer.

The fitness tests in zonal office will be done from 2 pm onwards. "The permit renewal of autos can also be done at any of the 13 zonal offices," the official said. "The auto-rickshaw and taxi unit at Burari will continue to function for registration, transfer, replacement and CNG endorsement and any other work related to auto-rickshaw and taxis. The fitness of autos can also be got done at Burari," he added.

The fitness certificate is a mandatory requirement under the Motor Vehicles Act.

The fitness of 17 kinds of vehicles, including heavy and medium goods vehicles and heavy, medium and light passenger and tourist taxis, will be done at Jhuljhuli.

After surprise visit by Chief Minister Kejriwal said in the note that "It is the primary responsibility of the head of the department to ensure integrity in the functioning of her department. Secretary-cum- Commissioner (Transport) is the head of department of the transport. It is clear that the secretary-cum-commissioner (Transport) has failed to maintain integrity of the transport department. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot conducted a surprise inspection at Burari in July when he said he found it to be a "den of corruption" and ordered major changes.