Roadworthiness or fitness tests of vehicles are likely to become more expensive in the next few years. This is because the infrastructure and transport ministry is planning to introduce a computer-generated certification, replacing the current manual inspection. The infrastructure and transport minister said this in the National Council today while responding to concerns about increasing road accidents over the years.
MPs questioned the minister on efforts to address the rising number of vehicle accidents and raised concerns about old vehicles endangering safety on road.
“In this fiscal year, the infrastructure and transport have been allocated over Nu 10bn. In it, there are about Nu 459 M allocated for the district road development. As the number of casualties is increasing in accidents, what is BCTA doing for prevention, and what is the ministry planning?” questioned Sonam Tenzin, Trashi Yangtse MP.
“To improve road safety, the vehicles need to be of quality. Nowadays, people even drive old vehicles of 20 to 30 years,” said Jamyang Namgyal, Pemagatshel MP.
The minister said the leading causes of accidents are drunk driving and speeding. He said the ministry is working on advocacy and has sensitised about 30,000 professional drivers on behavioural issues and etiquette related to driving.
The minister added that the computer-based fitness certification will be rolled out within one to two years.
“To really see if the vehicle is worthy of being on the road, just looking with the eye is not enough, as the current way of checking wipers, indicators and brakes with the eyes is something anyone can do. Therefore, the ministry is checking how it is done in other countries,” said Chandra Bdr. Gurung, Infrastructure and Transport Minister.
The ministry is also discussing with the World Bank to fund road safety initiatives in the country. The minister said a surface transport bill will be tabled for a sustainable road transport policy.
Bhutan recorded 56 more accident cases last year, from around 1060 in 2023.
Singye Dema
Edited by Kipchu
