Mandis run out of space as vehicle GPS transition delays paddy lifting

The delay in linking vehicles used for transporting paddy to a new GPS tracking portal has disrupted lifting operations in Karnal’s grain markets and procurement centres, leading to a major space crunch as huge quantities of grain remain stranded in mandis.

Officials said more than 1.61 lakh metric tonnes (MT) of paddy are yet to be lifted as the transition to a new tracking system continues to drag on. Earlier, around 1,000 vehicles were registered with the previous company handling the GPS system, but so far only about 800 have been activated on the new portal. The rest await verification and data upload.

The problem arose after the previous company’s contract expired last month, and a new firm took over the tender for vehicle GPS tracking. Under the new system — known as the Vehicle Location Ticket Tracking Device (VLTTD) — every vehicle must be re-registered. Since all were linked to the old database, the changeover has been slow.

The impact is visible across grain markets. So far, 2.77 lakh MT of paddy has arrived, but only 1.15 lakh MT has been lifted. Bags filled with unlifted grain now occupy large parts of market yards, leaving little room for fresh arrivals and causing logistical challenges for procurement agencies.

Transporters say the abrupt system shift has created confusion and technical difficulties.

“All our vehicles were already linked with the old company’s GPS portal. The new registration process is time consuming and full of glitches, due to which many vehicles are still waiting to be linked,” said Ashok Khurana, president of the Mandi Transport Contractors’ Association.

“We are working round the clock to clear the backlog and we expect normalcy in a few days,” he added.

Officials said the situation is improving. “Most vehicles have now been linked and pressed into service. The remaining vehicles are in the process of registration. Once done, the pace of lifting will improve,” said District Food and Supplies Controller (DFSC) Anil Kumar.

Deputy Commissioner Uttam Singh said the issue has been taken up on priority. “The delay in vehicle registration has been resolved. Procurement agencies have been instructed to speed up lifting operations,” the DC said.