AI to Streamline Driving Licence Process, Says Ponnam Prabhakar

fast Summary:

• Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar announced AI-based issuance of driving licences and the establishment of driving training centers and traffic awareness parks for schoolchildren.
• Foundation stone laid for a ₹8 crore state-of-the-art Automated Testing Station (ATS) at Dandampally, Nalgonda district, Telangana-the second ATS in the State.
• 17 ATS facilities are being constructed across Telangana to modernize vehicle testing, reduce accidents, and eliminate corruption using automated systems and camera-based results uploaded to the VAHAN portal.
• A new vehicle scrap policy introduced to phase out vehicles older than 15 years; aims to improve road safety and reduce pollution with real-time data tracking for vehicle fitness and emissions compliance.
• Free bus travel policy for women has increased public transport use; government infused ₹6,000 crore into RTC welfare schemes since the Congress management began.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
The announced measures reflect a meaningful focus on modernizing transportation infrastructure while addressing systemic issues such as road safety enforcement, pollution control, and accessibility through welfare policies like free bus travel for women. The introduction of automated testing stations reduces human interference in critical vehicle checks, potentially minimizing corruption while improving compliance standards-a necessary move given rising vehicular accidents reported due to poor fitness standards. The AI-driven licence issuance program emphasizes trained drivers over casual approvals, reinforcing accountability on roads.

The sustainability aspect incorporated through scrapping older polluting vehicles is consistent with global trends addressing vehicular emission concerns but may face resistance or logistical challenges during implementation across varied economic groups owning aged vehicles.

On public transport reforms aiming inclusivity-such as-free travel initiatives especially targeting women indicates increasing reliance on collective mobility services over individual alternatives like private cars-a practical approach amidst economic pressures paired with environmental goals.

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