Imphal: Manipur is going to establish its first Inspection and Certification (I&C) Centre or Automated Testing Station (ATS) to enhance road safety and environmental compliance, in Imphal East district.
A tripartite agreement was signed on Wednesday between the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), Government of India, the Transport Department, Government of Manipur, and the International Centre for Automotive Technology (ICAT).
A statement issued by director of transport, Manipur, Khumanthem Daina said the I&C Centre will be constructed at Teramakhong, Village No. 76-Tellou, under Lamlai Assembly Constituency, SDO Sawombung, in Imphal East district. It will feature a two-lane facility one for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMVs) and one for Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).
The project is being fully funded by MoRTH with a budget of Rs 14.25 crore. The state-of-the-art facility aims to improve vehicle roadworthiness, promote eco-friendly practices, and ensure adherence to national safety standards.
According to a Government of India notification (GSR 663(E) dated September 12, 2023), it is mandatory that fitness testing for all commercial vehicles and LMVs be conducted exclusively through ATSs. However, due to the absence of a functional ATS in the state, fitness certificates are currently issued manually by district Transport officers as an interim arrangement.
“The upcoming I&C Centre will be equipped with automated systems to assess brake efficiency, emission levels, headlight alignment, suspension performance, chassis condition, and other key parameters. The facility is expected to enhance transparency in vehicle testing, reduce road accidents, and improve air quality. Once operational, the ATS will cater to both public and private vehicles and serve as a critical addition to Manipur’s transport infrastructure and regulatory framework”, said the Transport director statement.
