The Center agrees to consider Kerala’s demand to strengthen transport services

Transport Minister CP John met Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss transport related issues in Kerala including glitches in digital platforms like VAHAN and SARATHI software systems, e-challan integration, KSRTC fleet modernization and driver training infrastructure etc.

Admitting the recurring technical issues affecting digital platforms, the Union Minister directed the National Informatics Center (NIC) to resolve them within a week. It has also been decided to complete the integration of the state e-challan platform with the national e-challan system within a few days through coordination between the national and Kerala NIC units, the transport department said in a statement.

Issues related to Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates, including certificates issued by centers in other states for vehicles registered in Kerala, were also discussed in the meeting. The Center advised Kerala to strengthen its verification mechanisms at the state level and promised action against those responsible for violations.

The Center has also agreed in principle to share data from Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras and Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) systems on national highways with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD). Full automation of the WIM system and data sharing is expected to be completed within one year. The Center has also directed the state to make automated testing stations operational as soon as possible. Registered vehicle scrapping facilities in Kerala should also be fully operational without delay, the company said.

The Union Minister gave a positive response to the state’s request for concessional loans to modernize the KSRTC fleet. In this regard, the Center will forward the proposal to the Ministry of Economy for assessment. The state was further advised to approach the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs regarding the purchase of buses.

Acknowledging the delay in granting clearances, the Center has ensured immediate approval for the Regional Driver Training Center at Parassala and the District Level Driver Training Centres. The Center also agreed to consider the state’s proposal for toll exemption or concession for KSRTC buses at NHAI toll plazas.

The Center further extended full support to the implementation of the pilot project of hydrogen transportation at KSRTC in collaboration with ANERT under the Low Carbon Initiative. The Union Minister also directed officials to take necessary steps to expedite the project.

Published – 25 June 2026 11:30 PM IST