Dhindsa inaugurates automated driving test tracks

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 26

Finance Minister Parminder Singh Dhindsa today inaugurated an automated driving test track, online licence and training centre at SCD Government College. The second track at Chandigarh Road also became operational today.

Speaking on the occasion, Dhindsa said due to the lack of training and gaining a driving licence without it led to road accidents.

“The issuance of driving licences only to trained drivers through automated driving tests will help curb road accidents,” the minister said.

Dhindsa said with the initiative, people would get driving licences on the spot after passing their test. The track will have the biometric system, webcasting camera, beam sensors, vibration sensors and ultra-modern electronic gadgets.

Such tracks have also been developed in Khanna and Jagraon in the district. “The opening of these centres will make the working of the Transport Department transparent,” he added. Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said to teach driving, a MoU has been signed with Maruti Suzuki for setting up a driving centre. After this, it will be mandatory to pass the test for a permanent driving licence.

Even though automated test tracks exist in other states such as Karnataka and Gujarat, SAD MLAs and ministers, including Dhindsa, always maintained that it was the first automated driving test track in the country. He said Punjab was the first state in the country that had 32 such tracks in all districts. were made in the state.

Interestingly, inaugural plaques for both tracks were installed at SCD Government College. When asked about it, Irrigation Minister Sharanjit Singh Dhillon said as the inauguration was done at one place so the plaques were installed at the same venue.

Meanwhile, on the first day, a resident had to wait for three hours for the test and yet it was not conducted. He was told to come tomorrow. “I had to come here before the inaugural function began at 2.30 pm. I was told that the test would be taken after the function. And now when the function is over, I have been told to come in the morning,” he said. Officials said the test could not be taken due to the function so they requested him to take the test in the morning.