Delhi has taken another major step toward cleaner air and safer roads. The city’s Transport Department has launched a fully automated vehicle fitness testing center in Nand Nagri, capable of inspecting up to 72,000 vehicles annually. The move is part of a larger push by the Delhi government to modernize transport compliance, reduce emissions, and eliminate unsafe vehicles from the roads.
A Fully Automated Inspection System With Zero Human Bias
Inaugurated by Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot, the Automated Inspection and Certification Centre (AICC) in Nand Nagri spans over 1.5 acres and uses cutting-edge machinery to test both light and heavy motor vehicles. From brake efficiency to suspension, headlight alignment, emissions, and more, every aspect of vehicle fitness is assessed using computerized systems and camera-based supervision.
“This is another significant milestone toward ensuring road safety and environmental protection,” Gahlot said at the inauguration. “Fitness certification will now be fully transparent and tech-driven.”
The key distinction is the complete removal of manual testing, which previously left room for human error and corruption. Vehicles failing these tests will not be issued a fitness certificate and will be barred from use on public roads, as per the Motor Vehicles Act.
Why This Matters: Road Safety, Pollution Control, and Green Mobility
Vehicle fitness testing plays a critical role in ensuring that unfit, aging, and polluting vehicles are phased out in a time-bound and regulated manner. According to transport experts, poorly maintained vehicles are a leading cause of both road accidents and urban air pollution.
With over 72,000 vehicles expected to be tested at this center annually, the impact on Delhi’s pollution levels and traffic safety could be significant.
A senior transport official explained, “Delhi’s older commercial vehicles often bypass routine checks. Automated centers ensure real compliance and make it harder to fake results.”
Part of a Larger Network: 6 Centers and Counting
The Nand Nagri AICC is now one of six operational automated fitness testing centers in Delhi. Others are located in Burari, Jhuljhuli (Najafgarh), Dwarka, Mayapuri, and Loni. These facilities are part of the government’s plan to create a city-wide automated vehicle testing ecosystem that is scalable, efficient, and technology-driven.
The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has integrated these centers with a central database, allowing seamless digital tracking of vehicle fitness status across the city.
What Vehicle Owners Need to Know
Starting now, all commercial and transport vehicles that require renewal of their fitness certificate must undergo testing at one of these automated centers. Private vehicles more than 15 years old also fall under this mandate if they are to continue operating.
Slots can be booked online via the Vahan portal or through the Delhi Transport Department’s official website. Once tested, a vehicle that passes will receive a digitally generated fitness certificate, while those that fail will be required to make necessary repairs and retest.
A Model for Other States?
Delhi’s move aligns with nationwide efforts to modernize transportation infrastructure. The AICC model may well become a template for other states looking to automate fitness testing and clamp down on unfit vehicles.
Automotive policy analyst Dr. Ankit Mathur notes, “Delhi is ahead of the curve. Automating fitness checks addresses both corruption and inefficiency — it’s a scalable model for Indian cities.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the new vehicle fitness center in Nand Nagri?
It’s an Automated Inspection and Certification Centre (AICC) launched by the Delhi government to test the roadworthiness of vehicles using fully automated systems. It can test up to 72,000 vehicles annually.
Who needs to get their vehicle tested at this new facility?
All commercial and transport vehicles, as well as private vehicles over 15 years old, must undergo fitness testing to legally operate in Delhi. The Nand Nagri center is one of six such centers in the city.
How does automated fitness testing work?
The testing process uses advanced machines and sensors to evaluate various components such as brakes, suspension, emissions, and headlight alignment. There’s no human intervention, ensuring accurate and unbiased results.
Is manual vehicle fitness testing still allowed in Delhi?
No, Delhi has shifted to fully automated vehicle fitness testing. Manual testing has been phased out to eliminate corruption, improve safety, and ensure transparency.
How can I book a slot for fitness testing in Delhi?
You can book an appointment online through the Vahan portal or the Delhi Transport Department’s official website. Slots are available for different vehicle categories, and digital certificates are issued upon passing.
What happens if my vehicle fails the fitness test?
If your vehicle fails the test, it will not receive a fitness certificate. You must make the required repairs and then schedule a re-test. Vehicles without valid fitness certificates cannot legally operate on public roads.
Where are the other automated fitness centers in Delhi?
Besides Nand Nagri, Delhi has automated testing centers in Burari, Jhuljhuli (Najafgarh), Mayapuri, Dwarka, and Loni. All centers are connected through a centralized digital platform.
Why is fitness testing important for vehicles?
Vehicle fitness testing ensures that only safe and low-emission vehicles are on the roads. It helps reduce traffic accidents, lowers air pollution, and removes aging or poorly maintained vehicles from circulation.