Travelling With Time; A Step Towards Efficiency

K.B. Ganesh Kumar
Minister for Road Transport, Motor Vehicles,
Water Transport

The Motor Vehicle Department in Kerala is progressing towards modernization and efficiency as it adapts to contemporary needs and technology. The department’s latest developments focus on improving public services, enhancing road safety, streamlining operations, and leveraging digital tools to provide citizens with a smoother, more effective experience.

Improving Driving Test Standards

The department is upgrading its driving tests, shifting from merely assessing basic driving skills to a more holistic approach that emphasizes road safety and responsible vehicle operation. To facilitate this, specialized driving test tracks have been developed to make testing more thorough. The driving test has been made more stringent, ensuring that only candidates who display proficiency in traffic rules, road safety, and vehicle handling receive licenses. Furthermore, a fixed number of applicants for daily tests will be maintained, easing the difficulty in securing test slots. Special provisions are being introduced for applicants who need to travel abroad or to other states for work or studies, reserving f ive dedicated slots for them. Additionally, candidates who fail the test will be given ten extra slots to ensure timely retesting. To improve the learning process, the department is working on a ‘Learner’s Mobile App’ that will provide license testing features, driving test coaching, and other tools to enhance the learning experience.

Ensuring Smooth Traffic Flow

To address traffic congestion in major urban centers, the Department has introduced various measures. T he first priority is upgrading key road junctions in high-traffic areas such as Thrissur, Ernakulam, and T hiruvananthapuram. Synchronizing traffic signals at critical junctions is also being implemented. In addition, the department is working on an AI-powered system to improve traffic signal timings, which will further alleviate congestion. To improve traffic law compliance, the department has introduced a new syllabus for community service programs, focusing on educating traffic violators.

Training for Drivers

Driving licenses of drivers, who have committed serious motor vehicle violations, are temporarily revoked. This initiative includes the creation of two new training centers in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, modelled after the existing IDTR center. Moreover, advanced Driver Fatigue Monitoring Systems will be installed in all public transport buses to ensure drivers are not overworked and are practicing safe driving.

New Bus Routes

As part of the drive to improve public transportation, 503 new bus routes have been identified, based on consultations with legislative representatives and feedback from the public. These routes aim to enhance connectivity across the state.

Student Concession App

To support students, a Bus Concession App is being developed in partnership with the Kerala Startup Mission.

Road Safety Cartoon Videos for Kids

To instill road safety awareness from an early age, the Motor Vehicle Department has developed animated videos featuring cartoon characters. The videos will be screened in schools, public spaces and road safety awareness programs.

Citizen Sentinel App

In an effort to involve the public in improving road safety, the Motor Vehicle Department has introduced the ‘Citizen Sentinel App’. This innovative app allows citizens to capture and report traffic violations by uploading photos or videos directly to the Motor Vehicle Department’s website. The footage is verified by officials before issuing e-challans to the violators. The app is integrated with the M-Parivahan app, which is available under the Citizen Portal feature, making it easily accessible to all users.

Five-Day File Disposal Rule has been implemented to expedite the processing of e-files.

Electric Vehicle Policy

The Motor Vehicle Department has rolled out the Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy aimed at promoting cleaner, more sustainable transportation. As part of this initiative, a subsidy of Rs 30,000 is given to newly registered electric passenger auto rickshaws. A total of three crore has been allocated to subsidize 1,000 electric auto rickshaws in this fiscal.

Strengthening Enforcement and Operational Efficiency

To enhance the enforcement capabilities, the Motor Vehicle Department is procuring 20 vehicles to support various Regional Transport Office (RTO) sub-office operations and 25 vehicles for the Safe Kerala Enforcement Squads. Additionally, 214 motorcycles equipped with modern technology, such as breath analysers, e-POS machines, and torch lights, will be used for field operations.

Increased Speed Governor Inspections

In response to the growing concern over speeding by heavy vehicles, particularly heavy vehicles, the Motor Vehicle Department has intensified speed governor inspections. The initiative aims to prevent vehicles from operating at unsafe speeds. Additionally, there will be crackdowns on vehicles with unauthorized modifications, such as excessive lighting and loud horns, which violate safety regulations. Special ‘super checks’ will be conducted on school buses to ensure their operational safety.

Five-Day File Disposal Rule

A new Five-Day File Disposal Rule has been implemented to expedite the processing of e-files. Under this rule, no official is permitted to retain files for more than five days. This ensures that files are handled promptly, which helps in improving efficiency and reducing delays in administrative processes.

Digitalization Initiatives

As part of the department’s digital transformation, the Motor Vehicle Department has launched a Digital Driving License system. Through the “Download Your Driving License (DYDL)” service on the Sarathi portal, people can now download their driving licenses digitally, eliminating the need for physical cards. Moreover, from March 1, 2025, a new system will allow the public to download their Registration Certificates (RC) via the Digi Locker and M-Parivahan apps.

ANPR Camera-Based Virtual Checkposts

The GST Department’s ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras at state borders will be part of a new Virtual Checkpost system and the initiative is expected to be fully operational by June 1, 2025.

Automated Testing Systems

The department is advancing vehicle testing by establishing 19 Automated Testing Stations across the state, alongside Accredited Driving Training Centers. Additionally, to further enhance customer experience, the department launched a Unified Counter System on March 18, 2025.

KL 90 Registration Series

A new initiative has been introduced to streamline vehicle registration, with the KL 90 registration series dedicated to government vehicles. Additionally, the BH series registration will be updated to improve operational efficiency across the state. To regulate second-hand vehicle market, a new Authorisation Certificate has come into force. This initiative aims to create a more organized and transparent registration system.

KSRTC; comfortable and high-quality journey

KSRTC introduced AC Premium Service to provide passengers with a more comfortable and high-quality j ourney. • A Mobile Medical Unit Launched to offer free healthcare services and ambulance support for KSRTC employees. • 24/7 Online Ticketing Implemented for pilgrims at Pamba, • Effectively utilising underutilised spaces to boost f inancial efficiency. • Cleaning Drive across all KSRTC units and Housekeeping Committees to ensure hygiene. • Achieved record profits by reducing off-road charges, optimizing costs, and improving overall operational efficiency. • Air-conditioned Restrooms at Thiruvananthapuram Central Depot for the comfort of employees and passengers. • Restaurants & Mini Supermarkets introduced at bus stations to enhance passenger experience. • Complete Computerisation for better service delivery. • Accident Monitoring Committees established for reducing road accidents. • International Service for Restroom Renovations to upgrade sanitation services and renovate restrooms at bus stations. • Tourism Packages launched to encourage inter-state travel and expand tourism opportunities. • Courier Box System on all buses to allow passengers to send packages easily. • 500 new buses to be added soon to improve fleet capacity. • Leasing out vacant shops to generate additional revenue. • Removed inefficient routes while retaining services for hill areas, tribal regions, estate workers, and coastal colonies. • Navakerala Journey Vehicle Repurposed for innovative public services. • Village Buses launched in collaboration with local self governments to improve rural connectivity. • Travel Card to promote digital transactions, for purchasing tickets conveniently. • City Circular Service Launched in T hiruvananthapuram to improve urban transportation. • Courier & Logistics Scheme to augment non-ticket revenue. • Free Maritime Services to improve accessibility for coastal passengers. • KSRTC Travel Fuels Project ensures buses receive high-quality fuel

Unified Ambulance Tariff System

The state has introduced the Unified Ambulance Tariff System to provide affordable and efficient ambulance services. This system offers 20 per cent discount on charges of C & D level ambulances for BPL cardholders. Cancer patients, and children under 12 will benefit from a special rate of Rs two per kilometer for the services while also ensuring free transport for accident victims to the nearest hospital. Ambulance drivers will undergo specialized training at the Institute of Driver Training and Research, Edappal and uniforms will be introduced for a professional appearance. A mobile app will soon be launched to streamline ambulance services and provide detailed information on available ambulances and hospitals across the state.

“Super checks” will be conducted on school buses to ensure their operational safety.