The Punjab Government has tied up with India’s largest car maker Maruti Suzuki to manage and run 32 driving training institutes, known as road safety knowledge centres, in the State. The driving institutes will offer high quality driving training, using driving simulators, class room instruction and practical training. Once fully operational, the institutes in the first phase will be able to train around 10,000 learners, including women, youth and underprivileged, annually.
As part of the tie-up, Maruti Suzuki India will undertake management of the institutes. The company will provide driving simulators, training cars (with dual control accessories) and course curriculum. The company will invest around Rsthree crore in a phased manner under this CSR programme. “Now, nobody in the State would be able to procure driving licence without appearing in the driving test,” said the State Principal Secretary (Transport) Anurag Agarwal. Aggarwal said that PPP models and 32 automated driving test tracks (ADTT) would be laid out which shall comprise of separate testing track for each track and premises.
“The administrative blocks to be constructed at automated driving test tracks will have the sitting office space for licensing officer who will issue learner driving licence on the spot and also issue permanent driving licence to those who qualify driving test,” he added. He said that the architecture department has prepared standard track drawing according to which will be laid by PWD in 235X185 feet area of one acre.
"A private party will connect its system with National Informatics Centre and biometric system will also be installed for conduct of driving test. Sensor-based technology and CCTV cameras will also be installed on 32 automated driving test tracks for automation," said Aggarwal. He maintained that the State would benefit from Maruti Suzuki India’s experience and expertise.