Pune, 16th August 2023: The city of Pune is gearing up for a technological leap in its vehicle licensing and registration processes with the introduction of the revamped Smart Card for Vehicle License and Registration Certificate (RC). Set to initiate on August 21, this groundbreaking development will utilize state-of-the-art technology across three strategically designated centers.
Collectively, these centers have set an ambitious target of printing an impressive 75,000 smart cards daily, marking a significant enhancement in operational efficiency. Pune residents will be among the first beneficiaries of this advanced system, receiving their smart cards through the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Regional Transport Office (RTO). However, it is advised that drivers may experience a potential week-long waiting period before acquiring their new smart cards.
Mr. Jitendra Patil, the Additional Transport Commissioner of Mumbai, expressed his optimism regarding the forthcoming rollout: “With the anticipated commencement on August 21, the augmented printing capacity is expected to swiftly address the prevailing backlog within a remarkably short span of time.”
The journey leading to this innovative milestone has been marked by challenges encountered across the state’s various RTO offices, Pune being no exception. A temporary suspension of the smart card system was put into effect at the Pune RTO office, lasting for a span of 15 days. Unfortunately, this hiatus resulted in over 50,000 drivers grappling with the non-receipt of their crucial RCs and vehicle licenses.
To address these challenges and usher in a new era of efficiency and reliability, the Department of Transport entrusted the smart card production contract to Manipal Technology Company, based in Karnataka. The roll-out on August 21 will witness the simultaneous initiation of smart card production at the RTO offices in Mumbai, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, and Nagpur. The anticipated daily production output of approximately 75,000 cards across these three centers holds the promise of swift resolution and subsequent distribution.
Historically, the printing of smart cards took place within local RTO offices, but logistical constraints often hindered timely distribution, leaving drivers inconvenienced. In a proactive attempt to resolve these issues, the Department of Transport forged a partnership with Manipal Technology Company, leading to the decentralization of printing rights from local RTO offices. As a result, the smart card dissemination process will now be centralized across three consolidated centers. However, it is essential to acknowledge the possibility of minor delays in the final delivery of these cards to recipients’ homes.
Key Features of the Revamped Smart Card:
- Laser Engraving Technique: The introduction of laser engraving technology ensures a superior quality of the smart card, guaranteeing lasting durability and enhanced security.
- Enhanced Printing Quality: Vehicle owner details including name, photograph, and address are meticulously printed onto the smart card, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
- Simplified Design: The new smart cards embrace simplicity by eliminating the chip, streamlining the card’s functionality while maintaining its effectiveness.
- Advanced Durability: Innovative techniques have been employed to enhance the card’s overall durability, safeguarding it against wear and tear over time.
- Heat-Resistant: The new smart cards are designed to withstand heat-induced damage, ensuring longevity even under challenging conditions.
- Cost Benefits: The introduction of the revamped smart cards is accompanied by a cost reduction, with the vehicle license fee reduced from Rs. 94 to Rs. 64, and a fee of Rs. 56 for the RC.
In Retrospect…
- Smart Card Printing will be conducted at the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar RTO Office in Pune, as well as in Mumbai and Nagpur.
- A total of three printing machines will be distributed among these three RTOs.
- The daily printing capacity is expected to range from 20,000 to 22,000 cards per center, marking a significant improvement in efficiency and output.
The imminent launch of the revamped Smart Card for Vehicle License and RC is poised to revolutionize the driving experience for Pune residents, streamlining processes, and ensuring timely issuance of essential documents. With cutting-edge technology and innovative design, this new era promises to alleviate the existing backlog and set a benchmark for efficient, reliable, and secure vehicle licensing and registration systems.
