Kargil: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on Sunday inaugurated a state-of-the-art Automated Driving Testing Centre (ADTC) at Kurbathang here, an official spokesperson said.
The centre is another significant milestone in the administration’s efforts to promote transparent, technology-driven and citizen-centric governance, he said.
Developed under the guidance of the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the ADTC has been built at a cost of Rs 2.48 crore and is equipped with advanced sensor-based, fully automated technologies to ensure objective, scientific and transparent assessment of driving skills for the issuance of driving licences.
The spokesperson said 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 spokesman said.
Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor emphasised the importance of responsible driving, and observed that safe roads begin with safe drivers.
“The ADTC 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,” he said.
Saxena 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 said the improved driving standards would contribute significantly towards reducing road accidents and promoting safer roads in the region.
Appealing to the citizens of Ladakh, 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.
