Drive to get online DLs log jammed at RTO

Even after the launch of ‘Sarathi’, an online service for getting Driving Licence (DL) and Learner’s licence (LLR), the number of people visiting the RTO offices in the city has not come down. However, the authorities are hopeful that the newly-launched software ‘Vahan-4’, for registration of vehicles and other purposes, would be utilised by the public and the rush at the offices
would come down considerably.

Vahan was launched at both the RTOs–East and West–in the city on July 12 and 13, respectively. The Transport department had launched ‘Sarathi’ online services on May 26 but a large number of people continued to visit the offices. Though the people apply for DL/LLR online, many are reluctant to make online payments.

According to the authorities, as Sarathi is limited for DL and LLR, people visit the office for other purposes like transfer of vehicle document, change of address, and others. But, the newly launched software Vahan-4 would bring down the crowd. With the help of the new software, people need not visit the offices but can apply online for the transfer of vehicle documents, change of address, renewal of the fitness certificate and others. RTO M Prabhuswamy explained that applicants will receive a message on their mobile as soon as the application through Vahan, is processed. The new initiative is of great help as people need not visit the offices multiple times to get their work done. However, the citizens must visit the office to get their original documents verified, he said.

The officer also said that the online services were introduced to avoid middlemen. Sarathi is being used by the people to apply for DL and LLR but many are reluctant to pay fees online. According to him, the RTO receives 100 online applications each for DL and LLR every day.

Shivu, who applied for the renewal of DL, said that the online initiative is good and helpful for people but the authorities must ensure that it works effectively. “The online system often does not work. I have tried to pay the fee many times but could not process the application,” he said.