In a major push towards modernising Maharashtra’s transport infrastructure, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed officials to urgently complete the construction of 53 Automated Testing Stations (ATS) across the state. The move is aimed at bringing transparency, speed and accuracy to vehicle fitness certification, while aligning Maharashtra with the Centre’s new motor vehicle compliance norms.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at his official residence Varsha, Fadnavis said the rollout of these centres should be treated as a priority project. The meeting was attended by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, Minister of State Madhuri Misal, senior bureaucrats and transport department officials.
Under the amended Central Motor Vehicle Rules,
notified on September 23, 2023, fitness testing for all transport category vehicles must be conducted only through registered automated testing centres from April 1, 2025. This marks a significant shift from the traditional manual inspection system, which has often faced criticism over delays, inconsistencies and scope for human discretion.
Officials informed the Chief Minister that seven centres have already been completed, while another 37 are expected to become operational by the end of August. Fadnavis instructed departments to coordinate closely and resolve pending issues related to the remaining centres so that the full network can begin functioning without delay.
The ATS model is expected to change how commercial vehicles are certified in the state. Instead of manual inspections, vehicles will undergo computerised and sensor-based testing. Parameters such as brakes, suspension, emissions, alignment and overall roadworthiness will be checked through automated systems, reducing the possibility of errors and ensuring uniform standards.
Speaking during the meeting, Fadnavis said the new system would make the entire process more transparent and reliable. “With technology-driven testing, human intervention will be reduced and accuracy will improve significantly,” he said, stressing that road safety and efficient regulation remain the government’s key priorities.
Maharashtra currently has around 4.33 crore registered vehicles, of which nearly 36.8 lakh fall under the transport category. Around nine lakh vehicles are expected to require annual fitness certification, making the creation of a robust testing network essential for the state’s mobility ecosystem.
The scale of the project also highlights Maharashtra’s growing share in national transport reforms. Of the 214 ATS centres planned across India, 53 will be located in Maharashtra — nearly one-fourth of the country’s total network.
The state government estimates that the project, including five years of operation and maintenance, will cost around Rs 1,035 crore. Financial assistance of Rs 337.74 crore has already been received from the Centre.
Beyond administrative reform, the initiative carries political significance as well. With infrastructure delivery and governance efficiency emerging as key talking points, the Fadnavis government appears keen to project Maharashtra as a state leading India’s transition to technology-backed public systems.
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