The government of Karnataka has approved the development of an automated driving test system (ADTS) at Mundoor village, near Puttur in Dakshina Kannada district, with an allocated budget of ₹7.88 crore. This initiative, announced by the state’s Transport Department, seeks to streamline and modernize the driving test process, utilizing electronic sensor-based technology to assess applicants’ skills on a designated track. Located just 10 kilometers from Puttur town, the facility will span 5.4 acres and will be established under the oversight of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru.
The ADTS will feature tracks of various designs, intended to evaluate a driver’s ability to navigate without contacting sensor-equipped poles. This project marks the second such facility in the district, the first being situated in Mudipu near Mangaluru. Puttur MLA Ashok Kumar Rai has lauded this development, emphasizing its potential to serve a wide range of applicants from areas including Puttur, Belthangady, Sullia, Kadaba taluks, and Vittla hobli, while spurring economic growth in the locality.
Ashok Kumar Rai highlighted that the 2024-25 Karnataka State Budget has outlined plans for several similar initiatives across the state. Proposed locations include Udupi, Chikkaballapura, Nelamangala, Madikeri, Madhugiri, and Hunsur, along with vehicle seizing yards envisaged at Devanahalli and Tumakuru. However, a change in plans led to the development in Mundoor instead of Udupi after the initially identified land in Alevoor was deemed a forest area, preventing its use for non-forestry purposes. Realizing the potential expiration of funds, Rai successfully urged for the reallocation of the project to Puttur, personally visiting the proposed site to confirm its suitability.
The planned ADTS complex in Puttur will encompass test tracks for both light motor vehicles and two-wheelers. It will include necessary infrastructure, such as an administrative block, control room, toilet facilities, and the requisite supply of water and electricity. Additionally, the premises will be fortified with compound walls, adorned with landscaping, and equipped to facilitate a seamless testing experience.
Rai has expressed optimism regarding the swift commencement of the project following the state’s administrative approval, underscoring the significance of modernizing critical civic infrastructure. By creating a more efficient system for assessing driving proficiency, this facility aims to enhance safety and reliability in driving assessments across the region.
This development stands as a testament to Karnataka’s commitment to leveraging technology in public service delivery, reflecting a broader trend of adopting automated solutions to improve government services. As such, the ADTS project is poised to become a key element in the region’s infrastructure, aligning with the state’s vision for an innovative and forward-looking approach to transportation management.
Published – March 05, 2025 12:33 pm IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Mangalore/government-of-karnataka-gives-administrative-approval-for-establishing-automated-driving-test-track-in-puttur/article69293179.ece
Category : Mangaluru
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Publish Date: 2025-03-05 12:33:00
