To ensure smooth deployment, the transport department has requested access to vehicle movement data through an API integration. NHAI, in turn, wrote to NIC, urging immediate action to facilitate the initiative.Despite losing roadworthiness, a significant number of commercial vehicles over 15 years old continue to ply on the roads, posing environmental and safety risks. In a decisive move, the Bengal transport department, in collaboration with the ministry of road transport and highways (MoRTH), is set to launch an e-detection system to identify and seize these outdated vehicles for scrapping. The initiative will also target vehicles defaulting on compliance for fitness, insurance, and pollution-under-control certificates, leveraging the VAHAN database for real-time detection.
Transport secretary Saumitra Mohan has sought support from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for the seamless implementation of the system. NIC developed an e-detection application called the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) system, which is already operational in states like Gujarat, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
The NETC system analyses vehicular movement data collected at toll plazas via the VAHAN database to track violations of the Motor Vehicles Act. It identifies vehicles lacking valid permits, fitness certificates, pollution checks, tax payments, and pending challans. Violators will be issued e-challans, and their vehicles will be seized for scrapping.
To ensure smooth deployment, the transport department has requested access to vehicle movement data through an API integration. NHAI, in turn, wrote to NIC, urging immediate action to facilitate the initiative.
NHAI directed its project directors to assist with API data sharing and ensure cooperation with NIC for technical requirements. The deputy general manager (tech), NHAI Kolkata, emphasised the importance of collaboration among stakeholders for a seamless rollout.
The transport department proposed a coordination meeting to address implementation challenges and finalise the roadmap for NETC. Officials have also been tasked with creating awareness among toll plaza operators and other stakeholders about the system. This tech-driven crackdown aims to enforce compliance, reduce pollution, and improve road safety, marking a significant step toward sustainable and accountable transportation in the state.
