Work for the computerised-automated test track of the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) is now in the final stages with the civil works almost done and tenders being invited for computerisation.
This track will help MSRTC bus drivers improve their driving skills, and it will also be open to motorists and the Regional Traffic Authority (RTA) at nominal charges.
“Developing this test track will definitely bring down the number of road accidents and improve driving skills of our drivers,” said Mukund Dhus, spokesperson of the MSRTC.
The track, which is coming up at Bhosari in Pune, has been designed to test drivers’ skills on all types of roads including steep gradients for hilly terrain, narrow and sharp
turns, uneven surfaces, smooth roads, etc.
“Facilities of this track will not be limited to our drivers, but we are ready to keep it open for the RTA and individual drivers. The fees for this will be a nominal `50,” Mr Dhus added. This fee will go towards the maintenance of the track. The MSRTC is the first public bus transport body to have a computerised-automated test track.
On Tuesday, the MSRTC floated bids for computerisation of the track, as the civil work is almost done. Hardware like chips will be installed on the tracks that would relay the test results to the main servers and computers. The moment a driver completes tests all the levels of the tracks, immediately he or she will be able to see how he or she performed and check their level of driving skills.
Apart from road accidents, the other reason for introducing this facility is constant complaints by the practicing drivers of their instructors being partial and at times negative grades being given despite skilled driving. This system would do away with any human interference during the tests.