Maruti Suzuki has inaugurated its maiden automated driving test track in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative focused on road safety.
The inauguration ceremony was led by Shri Dayashankar Singh, Minister of State (Independent charge) of Transport, Uttar Pradesh, drawing inspiration from the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath.
The integrated test tracks cater to the examination requirements for Two-wheeler, Light Motor Vehicle, and Heavy Motor Vehicle licenses.
It’s noteworthy that this automation endeavor was completed within a remarkable timeframe of 45 days from the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement with the Uttar Pradesh Government. Furthermore, four additional automated test tracks are slated to become operational across Uttar Pradesh by the end of March 2024.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited expressed gratitude to the Uttar Pradesh Government for granting the opportunity to automate the driving test track in Ayodhya, acknowledging the increasing necessity for safe last-mile mobility in the city, particularly with the rising number of visitors.
Mr. Rahul Bharti, Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs at Maruti Suzuki India Limited, emphasized the paramount importance of human skill and knowledge of traffic regulations in road safety. He highlighted the significance of computerized testing to ensure that only proficient drivers receive their licenses. Additionally, Maruti Suzuki is progressing its commitment to road safety by automating Driver Training and Testing Institutes (DTTIs) in Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Varanasi.
The newly automated driving test track at Ayodhya is fully computerized, equipped with high-definition cameras, and an integrated IT system to enhance testing comprehensiveness, efficiency, and transparency. It is capable of evaluating both Light Motor Vehicles (LMV) and Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV) applicants on the same track, with a separate serpentine track dedicated to two-wheeler testing. Evaluation procedures adhere to Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR).
Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to road safety materialized through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh, on December 2, 2023. This agreement aimed to automate driving license test tracks at Driver Training and Testing Institutes (DTTIs) across Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Mathura, Prayagraj, and Varanasi, with Ayodhya being the first center to receive the automated driving test track as part of this MoA.