Himachal gets 7 new vehicle testing hubs, inspections to take just 5-10 minutes

Shimla (The Uttam Hindu): In a major step towards modernizing the vehicle inspection system in Himachal Pradesh, the central government has approved the establishment of seven Automated Testing Stations (ATS), Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said in the Assembly.

He said that private ATSs will be established in Kangra, Mandi, Bilaspur, Nalagarh, and Paonta Sahib, while government ATSs will be established in Haroli and Nadaun. Vehicle inspections at these centers will be completed in just 5 to 10 minutes, and online slot booking will also be available.

The matter was raised in the Assembly under Rule 62 by Deputy Chief Whip Kewal Singh Pathania. Pathania stated that due to the presence of only one ATS in Kangra district, residents are facing problems such as long queues and traffic jams. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that vehicle passing would be conducted through these centers in the future.

Mukesh Agnihotri stated that in recognition of the state's efforts, the central government has released an incentive of ₹100 crore. Additionally, ₹6.75 crore has already been received for the establishment of the ATS, and an additional ₹27.73 crore is expected in the future.

According to information provided in the Assembly, a total of 325 junior engineer positions are vacant in the Water Power Department. These positions include 302 in the civil, 9 in the mechanical, and 14 in the electrical categories. These positions are vacant in divisions, zones, and other offices.

The government stated that requisitions were sent to the Recruiting Directorate on February 4 and 17 to fill 116 civil wing positions through direct recruitment. Additionally, two positions will be filled for dependents of ex-servicemen. A proposal to fill 14 electrical positions is currently under consideration.

According to the government, 852 cases of compassionate employment are pending in departments, boards, and corporations, of which 98 have been rejected. This information was provided in a written reply to questions from MLAs Sudhir Sharma, Satpal Satti, and Pawan Kajal.

The government said the annual family income limit for compassionate appointment has been increased from Rs 2.50 lakh to Rs 3 lakh with effect from October 8, 2025. This new limit will apply to future cases.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the number of vehicles in Himachal Pradesh is steadily increasing. While only 67,103 vehicles were registered in 1990-91, this number has now risen to 2,482,038. This includes 2,183,860 private vehicles and 298,178 commercial vehicles.

He said that in 2025, there were 1,923 road accidents in the state, resulting in 789 deaths. A major cause of these accidents is faulty or unfit vehicles.

As of March 18, 2026, 572 vehicles have been declared fit and 6 unfit through ATS. The government believes that setting up new ATS centers will improve road safety and make the vehicle inspection process more transparent.