Uttarakhand introduces Automated Driving Test Tracks to enhance road safetySynopsis: The newly launched ADTTs, developed under the CSR initiative of Maruti Suzuki, are designed to evaluate driving skills for light motor vehicles (LMV) and two-wheelers, employing technology to remove human intervention from the testing process.

Uttarakhand has taken a step towards safer roads with the inauguration of Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) in Haridwar and Rishikesh by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, an initiative by Maruti Suzuki under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. It utilizes high-definition cameras and IT systems for transparent and efficient driver evaluations, aiming to ensure only skilled drivers obtain licenses and contribute to road safety in the state.

The newly launched ADTTs are designed to evaluate driving skills for light motor vehicles (LMV) and two-wheelers, employing technology to remove human intervention from the testing process. These tracks complement an existing ADTT in Dehradun, which has been in operation since 2019.

The ADTTs use high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems to assess driving skills. This automated system ensures a comprehensive, efficient, and transparent evaluation process for individuals seeking driving licenses. The evaluations are conducted in accordance with the Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).

The Dehradun ADTT was previously recognised by the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand for Excellence and Good Governance in 2019-2020.

Brijesh Kumar Sant (IAS), Secretary Transport, Uttarakhand Government, said “Our association with Maruti Suzuki goes back to 2009, when the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research was established in Dehradun. With the comprehensive evaluation at ADTTs, we can ensure that only skilled drivers get a driving license. Another state-run road safety initiative where we work with Maruti Suzuki is refresher training for commercial drivers before Char Dham yatra (holy pilgrimage). I also compliment the Company for steering this training program, which helps prepare drivers for the yatra route.”

Other CSR initiatives

Maruti Suzuki also conducts refresher training for commercial drivers in Uttarakhand before the annual Char Dham Yatra, which prepares drivers for the challenging hilly terrains along the pilgrimage route.

Rahul Bharti, Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India, mentioned “We thank the Uttarakhand Government for their continued association with Maruti Suzuki. Under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand is rapidly progressing. One of the key growth drivers for the state is tourism. Efficient and skilled drivers are needed to boost tourism and contribute to safer roads. Our Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) can play a vital role to achieve this goal by ensuring that only skilled and competent drivers receive a license through a 100 per cent computerised, transparent, and efficient testing process.”

The refresher training programme is a prerequisite for the mandatory Green Card, which is required for all commercial drivers during the Char Dham Yatra. This year, the training programme aims to cover approximately 11,000 drivers at the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTRs).