Big news from Tamil Nadu! The state government has just rolled out a major initiative that’s set to transform public transport. All public service vehicles in Tamil Nadu will now be required to have Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) installed. This isn’t just a suggestion it’s a mandatory order, and it’s all about making your journeys safer.
The Home (Transport) Department issued this directive, ensuring that all public service and transport vehicles, as defined by the Central Motor Vehicles Rules of 1989, comply with Automotive Industry Standard-140 (AIS-140). This is a crucial step towards standardizing safety and monitoring across the board. The goal is clear: better **tracking**, better safety.
This isn’t an isolated move either. It’s perfectly in line with a national framework that’s been put forward by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). So, Tamil Nadu is joining a broader movement to enhance transport safety and efficiency across India. The Transport and Road Safety Commissioner has been given the important task of overseeing the entire process, from registration to activation of these new **tracking** devices.
Now, for the manufacturers who want to get involved, there are some strict rules. They need to register their device models with the Commissioner first. On top of that, they must have a valid AIS-140 type approval certificate from accredited testing agencies. This ensures that only high-quality, reliable devices are used. Manufacturers also need to have enough fitment centers across the state to guarantee timely service and maintenance, which is great news for vehicle owners.
The Transport Commissioner will soon be inviting Expressions of Interest from eligible firms. If a firm wants to apply, they’ll need to do it within 30 working days and pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 25,000 per device model. They also have to provide complete sample sets for evaluation. This thorough process ensures only the best providers are chosen for this critical safety upgrade.
Once the applications are in, the devices will go through rigorous testing. This isn’t just a quick check; it’s a comprehensive evaluation for AIS-140 compliance and compatibility with the state’s backend monitoring platform. This platform is operated by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a renowned name in technology. This evaluation is expected to be completed within 30 days. Only the models that successfully pass all these tests and secure registration will be allowed for use in vehicles within Tamil Nadu. This meticulous approach guarantees the effectiveness of the **tracking** system.
The new order also includes important safeguards for consumers. Registered manufacturers will be required to set up a 24×7 support system for vehicle owners. That means help will always be available, day or night. Plus, they need to establish service centers at zonal levels, ensuring that assistance is readily accessible no matter where you are in the state. This comprehensive support system will significantly enhance passenger confidence and provide peace of mind.
According to officials, this initiative is a game-changer. It will enable real-time **tracking** of public service vehicles, significantly enhance existing safety mechanisms, and vastly improve the efficiency of monitoring. Once fully implemented, this system is anticipated to bring greater transparency to public transport operations. This will undoubtedly boost passenger confidence, knowing that their journeys are being actively monitored and prioritized for safety through advanced **tracking** technology.