Leh, November 12: The Union Territory of Ladakh took a major stride toward modernizing its transport infrastructure with the visit of Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal to the newly established Automated Vehicle Inspection and Certification Centre (ICC) at Phyang. The centre marks a significant step in introducing scientific, transparent, and technology-driven vehicle fitness testing across the region.
During his visit, Dr. Kotwal inspected the advanced testing facilities at the ICC, including the Speed Test-LD, Gas/Smoke Test-LD, Side Slip Test-LD, and Suspension Test-LD.
These fully automated systems are designed to assess vital aspects of vehicle performance and safety, ensuring that only roadworthy and environmentally compliant vehicles ply on Ladakh’s challenging terrains.
Appreciating the state-of-the-art infrastructure, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of such technology-based facilities in enhancing road safety, reducing vehicular pollution, and improving the reliability of public transport services in the Union Territory.
The Inspection and Certification Centre has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and executed by WAPCOS Private Limited, a Government of India enterprise under the Ministry of Jal Shakti. The centre is equipped with cutting-edge ATS ELGI testing equipment that enables fully automated inspections to evaluate a vehicle’s braking efficiency, suspension system, side-slip stability, and emission levels with high accuracy and minimal human intervention.
Accompanying the Chief Secretary during the visit were Shri Bhupesh Chaudhary, Administrative Secretary, Transport Department; Dr. Zahida Bano, JKAS, RTO, Leh, along with other officials of the Transport Department. The team reviewed the facilities and operations of the ICC, underscoring its role in promoting efficiency, accountability, and transparency in vehicle fitness certification.
Once fully operational, the Phyang ICC will serve as a model centre for automated vehicle testing in high-altitude regions. By integrating precision, transparency, and technological advancement, the facility will contribute significantly to strengthening road safety measures and supporting Ladakh’s commitment to sustainable and progressive development.
