MSRTC to lay computerised automated test track

Mumbai, Feb 5 (PTI) The Maharashtra State RoadTransport Corporation (MSRTC) will soon become the first statetransport undertaking in the country to develop and lay out acomputerised automated test track which will test and alsohelp in developing skills of its drivers.

The track is being laid out across four acres of landat MSRTC''s Central Training Institute (CTI) at Bhosari, nearPune city, MSRTC spokesperson Mukund Dhus said.

The construction work is in full swing and should becompleted by April 30, he said. Of the total budget ofRs 2.30 crore for the project, Rs 1.60 crore have beenearmarked for civil work, while the remaining funds will beused for computer software and hardware, he said.

Deepak Kapoor, Vice Chairman and Managing Director ofMSRTC, said, "The track will be completely controlled bycomputers, without any human interference. The purpose of thistrack is to check and improve drivers'' skill level."

The track will have conditions to test driving skillsof the individual on various types of roads, includingstraight stretch, gradient (ghat driving), narrow and sharpturns and potholed roads.

Performance during the test would be recorded by thecomputers and an instant result would be available at the endof the test giving no room for human error, Kapoor said.

"This way we certainly hope to stop the complaints andalso aim to minimise accidents on the road," he added.

"MSRTC will also permit the Regional TransportAuthorities (RTA) and others to conduct their driving tests onthis track for a fee of Rs 50-60 per candidate. The fee willgo towards maintenance of the track," Kapoor said.