Pune: Centre Extends Manual Fitness Tests for Commercial Vehicles Till October 2026
Pune, 20th April 2026: In a significant relief to transporters across Maharashtra, the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has extended the provision for manual fitness certification of commercial vehicles until October 2026.
The decision comes amid widespread concerns over inadequate infrastructure for the Automated Testing Station (ATS) system.
Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol announced the extension on Saturday, stating that it was prompted by multiple representations from the transport sector. He highlighted that many regions, including Pune, still lack fully operational ATS facilities, creating serious operational hurdles for drivers and small operators.
Mohol credited Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for raising the matter with Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, who promptly approved the extension. The move is expected to benefit nearly 15 lakh families statewide.
The fitness testing process in several districts came to a sudden halt in mid-March after the central government made ATS mandatory for all commercial vehicle certifications. However, as many as 11 Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) in Maharashtra are yet to establish these automated facilities. This led to a complete standstill in renewals for auto-rickshaws, taxis, school buses, and tempos, resulting in substantial financial losses for owners who rely on timely approvals to operate legally.
The ATS system was introduced to improve road safety through standardised and technology-driven inspections. While the intent is widely appreciated, the uneven rollout exposed critical gaps in ground-level preparedness.
