Odisha Commerce & Transport Minister Inaugurates Automated Driving Testing System (ADTS) at Six Locations

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Minister of Commerce & Transport, Tukuni Sahu, marked a significant step towards improving road safety with the inauguration of the Automated Driving Testing System (ADTS) at six locations – Angul, Dhenkanal, Rourkela, Sundergarh, Keonjhar, and Ganjam. This initiative, undertaken as part of the 5T program, aims to reduce accidents by ensuring that only qualified individuals receive driving licenses.

Under the ADTS system, high-end cameras will be installed to capture every detail of applicants during their driving license tests. Developed by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH), the software evaluates the test results based on the captured details, determining whether an applicant passes or fails based on their driving skills. This automated and objective testing process is expected to enhance efficiency and transparency compared to traditional manual testing procedures.

The Commerce & Transport Minister emphasized that the ADTS system would be gradually implemented across all Regional Transport Office (RTO) offices in the state. This step is aligned with the state government’s commitment to adopting advanced technologies to streamline administrative processes and enhance citizen services.

Additionally, Minister Tukuni Sahu laid the foundation stones for 23 proposed Truck Terminal locations, addressing the issue of roadside illegal parking, which has been a significant contributor to road accidents. Over the past 2-3 years, accidents involving parked vehicles on the roadside accounted for 2207 accidents and 852 fatalities.

The construction of Truck Terminals across the state is envisioned to provide essential facilities such as cargo loading and unloading, fueling, and rest areas for drivers. The initiative is expected to mitigate the stress experienced by long-route drivers due to inadequate sleep, contributing to a reduction in road accidents.

Minister Tukuni Sahu highlighted various initiatives by the Transport Department, including proper training and testing of drivers, the establishment of resting places for long-route drivers, and the distribution of free tea to drivers during late-night hours to early morning, preventing driver drowsiness.

The minister urged all citizens to follow road safety rules actively, contributing to the vision of making Odisha an accident-free state and being the “Sarathi” (companion) of New Odisha.