Whither vehicle fitness centre?

KATHMANDU, DEC 13 -
Even after intalling hi-tech equipment to examine the condition of vehicle s running in Kathmandu Valley, the Teku-based Vehicle Fitness Test Centre (VFTC) is yet to begin its operation.

The reason why this center stands idle is because it is based at the already dissolved Nepal Transport Corporation responsible for operating Nepal Ropeway, which failed to clear huge outstanding dues to the Nepal Electricity Authority and now a hassle for the fitness center, as it lacks power supply for operations.

For months now, the VFTC under the Department of Transport Management (DoTM) is seeking funds from the Finance Ministry to clear the outstanding dues, about Rs 6 million. “Everything else to operate the center is ready, except the power. Time and again we have requested the Finance Ministry for the money to clear out the pending dues,” said Birendra Bahadur Swar, a DoTM official. The company’s utility bills have remained unpaid since it was dissolved in 2002.

The much-awaited facility, which will check the roadworthiness of public vehicle s and okay their operations, was built in 2011 at a cost of Rs 60 million. DoTM officials say the longer the VFTC remains stagnant, the greater is the risk of its equipment deteriorating and becoming unusable. The DoTM plans to let the private sector operate it after power connection is restored.

The VFTC has been designed to monitor the condition of public vehicle s and regulate their operations. The Transportation Manage-ment Act 1993 has made it mandatory that public vehicle s be checked every six months and private vehicle s once a year. However, till now vehicle inspections are performed without the use of any technology, relying only on human hands and eyes.

The centre is designed to check over 100 interior and exterior parts of vehicle s, including engines, brakes, horns, mudguards, body parts, headlights, springs, side slips, batteries and seat belts.

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