The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has announced plans to establish multiple vehicle inspection centres (VICs) on its own premises across key locations in the country to improve vehicle fitness certification and enhance road safety.

The Road Transport and Highways Division has issued directives to BRTC regarding the establishment of these VICs.

To facilitate the implementation of VICs, the BRTC has formed a committee to devise a strategy and determine the appropriate equipment required.

Sources from the BRTC have confirmed that a six-member committee, led by the director (technical) of the BRTC, has been constituted. An official order regarding this matter was issued on 23 January.

According to the committee’s mandate, they are required to visit the BRTA VIC in Mirpur-13, Dhaka, to gain insights into its operational procedures.

Additionally, they will identify suitable locations for VICs in Tejgaon (CWS), Khulna, Chattogram, Bogura, Sylhet, and Rangpur.

The committee is also tasked with recommending specifications for the necessary equipment and suitable training for the personnel.

When asked about the initiative, Col Mohammad Mubarak Hossain Majumdar, director (technical) of Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), told the Daily Sun, “The ministry has already approved the decision to establish VICs. Now, we will conduct a feasibility study to determine the appropriate locations, required equipment, and budget allocation. These VICs will primarily be set up in divisional cities.”

Explaining the rationale behind BRTC’s plan to establish VICs, Mubarak Hossain further stated, “Currently, the BRTA operates a single VIC, which results in long waiting times for service. To extend better services to the public, the BRTC is keen on establishing additional VICs. We have the necessary resources and space to do so, as BRTC manages several depots where VICs can be set up.”

Automated vehicle inspection centres (VICs) assess vehicle fitness and issue certificates accordingly. However, defective vehicles will not receive fitness certificates. The digital VIC system operates autonomously without the possibility of manual interference.

Md Hadiuzzaman, a transport expert and professor at BUET, told the Daily Sun, “VICs play a crucial role in vehicle fitness inspections. The BRTA has not made significant progress in this regard, as it operates only one VIC.

If BRTC can expand the service, it would be a commendable initiative.

“However, the VICs must be effectively implemented. BRTC could benefit from BRTA’s experience since they have already been running a VIC. Increasing the number of VICs will reduce the prevalence of unfit vehicles on the roads and curb the movement of illegal vehicles, provided the VIC system is used properly.”