What is ‘Vahan’?

‘Vahan’ is the name of the national vehicle registry, which intends to collate all the information available with road transport authorities for easy access by both citizens and regulators. Vahan allows access to all details related to vehicles such as registration number, chassis/engine number, body/fuel type, colour, manufacturer and model and provides various online services to citizens. Driving Licence and related data are automated through a separate application called ‘Sarathi’.

Why is it important?

Vahan has been designed to capture all the information mandated by the Central Motor Vehicle Act 1988 as well as State Motor Vehicle Rules. It has been customised to suit the varied requirements of all States and Union Territories. This way, the system ensures access to such information from anywhere. Besides, centralisation of data through the creation of the State and National Registries under Vahan also helps address the needs of RTOs, police and motor insurers.

Tackling Crime

The Police Department will also have access to the registry. The information available online can help in resolving crimes such as theft of vehicles and usage of fake registration numbers. Traffic-check points can cross-check the validity of the documents such as licences presented by motorists through hand-held devices. Enforcement activities such as issue of challan and settlement of penalty amount can also be carried out through Vahan. Banks, which may have given out loans for vehicle purchases, will also have access to the National/State Registry to track the status of vehicles under lien.

Lately, motor insurance companies have also been encouraged to upload data of insured vehicles on Vahan. When the process is completed, it will help in tracking vehicles that have not obtained an insurance cover or vehicles that have not renewed their covers.

How will the portal benefit everyone?

With Vahan, multiple visits to the RTO, extensive paperwork, queues, middlemen and bribes will be eliminated. Vahan helps carry out most of the RTO related transactions including payments, online. For instance, to expedite the registration process, automobile dealers have been given a login where they can enter the required data for registration of new vehicles and obtain registration certificates. Other services such as transfer of ownership, change of address, issue and renewal of permits and fitness certificates are also available at the click of the mouse. The need for ‘No objection certificate’ for transfers will be eliminated since all RTOs will have access to the centralised data. There are also plans to develop mobile based applications for the various services.

Both the ‘Vahan’ and ‘Saarthi’ portals would be helpful for a number of purposes including inter-state transfer of vehicles or obtaining a drivers license.

Source: The Hindu Business Line