Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena on July 26 inaugurated the Automated Driving Testing Centre (ADTC) at Kurbathang, Kargil, marking a major step towards enhancing road safety and ensuring a transparent, technology-driven driving licence testing system in Ladakh.

The inauguration was attended by Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, and Member of Parliament (Ladakh), Mohmad Haneefa Jan.

Developed under the guidance of the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, the centre has been constructed at a cost of approximately ₹2.48 crore. Equipped with advanced sensor-based and fully automated technologies, the facility will enable objective, scientific and transparent assessment of driving skills for the issuance of driving licences.

The centre features RFID-enabled applicant identification, laser and infrared sensors, an electronic sensor-based driving track, high-resolution CCTV surveillance, automated scoring software, a computerised test monitoring system, real-time data processing, digital result generation, an automated pass/fail evaluation system, and seamless integration with the VAHAN and SARATHI platforms. These technologies eliminate human bias and ensure that only qualified drivers are granted licences.

Developed in accordance with the Ministry's guidelines, the facility includes a computerised testing and control room, an automated driving test track, a CCTV surveillance system and other essential infrastructure.

Addressing the gathering, L-G Saxena stressed that safe roads begin with responsible drivers. He said a driving licence is not merely a legal document but a certification of a person's ability to drive responsibly while ensuring the safety of all road users. He emphasised that driving tests must be conducted in a fair, scientific and completely transparent manner.

"The Automated Driving Testing Centre reflects our commitment to Digital India, e-Governance and Good Governance. By ensuring a transparent and technology-driven licensing system, we are not only improving public service delivery but also strengthening road safety across Ladakh. I am confident that this Centre will emerge as a model for transport reforms in the Union Territory," he said.

The Lieutenant Governor expressed confidence that the new system would make the driving licence process faster, more transparent and efficient, thereby enhancing public trust in the Transport Department. He added that higher driving standards would play a significant role in reducing road accidents and promoting safer roads across the region.

Appealing to the people of Ladakh, L-G Saxena urged citizens to treat obtaining a driving licence as a responsibility towards society rather than merely a legal requirement. He called on motorists to strictly follow traffic rules, observe speed limits, wear seat belts and helmets, and always drive responsibly, noting that even a small act of caution can save precious lives.

Photo Caption: Inauguration of the Automated Driving Testing Centre (ADTC) at Kurbathang, Kargil.