DTC Begins Work on New Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand

Key Highlights:

• Delhi Transport Corporation is building a new Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand Depot with a budget of ₹2.09 crore, expected to be ready in four months.
• This will be the city’s second ATS.
• The new facility will use automated systems to test brakes, emissions, suspension, steering, and other critical components of commercial vehicles.
• Tehkhand was chosen for its space and better access for vehicles coming from east and central Delhi.
• The government plans to open five more ATS units across Delhi.

The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has started building a new Automated Testing Station (ATS) at its Tehkhand Depot in southeast Delhi. The project is estimated to cost ₹2.09 crore and is expected to be ready in four months.

Second ATS in Delhi

This will be the second ATS in Delhi. Currently, the only operational station is in Jhuljhuli, southwest Delhi, which is overloaded. The Union government has made it mandatory for commercial vehicles to be tested at ATS centres for permit issuance, making the need for more stations urgent.

More ATS Facilities Planned

A third ATS is under construction at Burari, which is still operating manually. The transport department plans to set up five more ATS centres across different parts of Delhi—north, northwest, west, south, and southeast.

Why Tehkhand Was Chosen

Tehkhand Depot was selected due to its large space and better connectivity. It will be more accessible for vehicles from east and central Delhi, which currently find it hard to reach Jhuljhuli.

Benefits of the New ATS

According to transport department officials, the Tehkhand ATS will reduce the current backlog and do away with manual inspections. Automation is expected to improve transparency, efficiency, and reduce corruption.

Advanced Equipment and Testing

The new ATS will use modern machinery to test various vehicle components, such as:

• Emissions
• Brakes
• Suspension
• Steering
• Headlights
• Speedometers
• Noise levels

It will include advanced systems like smoke opacimeters, exhaust gas analysers, and onboard diagnostics scanners. The site will also have separate zones for emission checks, visual inspections, and electrical tests.

Focus on Road Safety

The new ATSs are part of a long-term plan to improve road safety by ensuring that only fit vehicles and skilled drivers are allowed on Delhi roads.

Fitness Test Rules

Commercial vehicles such as trucks, buses, and taxis must pass a fitness test every two years until they are eight years old, and yearly after that. Private vehicles are tested 15 years after registration. Vehicles that fail are not allowed to run on roads.

Also Read: Delhi Transport Department launches AC DTC electric buses on new routes

CMV360 Says

The decision to set up a new Automated Testing Station at Tehkhand is a much-needed step toward improving vehicle safety and easing the pressure on the existing system. With rising traffic and pollution in Delhi, ensuring only roadworthy commercial vehicles are allowed to operate is crucial. The use of advanced automated systems will not only speed up the process but also reduce human error and corruption. This will make the system more transparent and reliable.