Under the automated system, the owner first brings the vehicle to the RTO and parks it outside

The emergence of CCTV footage has added a fresh dimension to the case

Madurai : A few year ago, the Union government directed all states to install automated fitness management systems to avoid loopholes and bribes in manual inspections, but Tamil Nadu missed the February 2024 deadline to avail the maximum Rs150 crore central incentive.

Even by August 2025, Tamil Nadu told the audit that TNIDB had been engaged as transaction adviser and a consultant was conducting a feasibility study. Tamil Nadu was among the first states to announce automated testing stations in 2017, but identifying suitable land remained a persistent hurdle. In 2023, it proposed facilities at more than 40 RTOs, but subsequently missing central funding support forced the department to limit implementation to five locations – Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tiruvallur, Salem and Villupuram.

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