Grappling with lack of basic amenities and poor upkeep for the past two years, visitors and applicants at the automated driving test centre in Sector 32 on Chandigarh Road in Ludhiana are forced to contend with overgrown grass, foul-smelling surroundings, broken seating, and missing instructional signboards.
The government-run facility, which sees a daily influx of citizens appearing for driving tests, lacks adequate seating arrangements, leaving applicants standing for long periods while waiting for their turn. The instructional signboards guiding applicants through test procedures are tilted, damaged, or missing entirely. Security at the premises has also raised concerns following the theft of wires and security cameras installed to monitor the facility, three days back. The authorities were informed about the theft of wires and cameras, and we got the repairs done within two days. The driving test centre was built by the PWD, and an assessment was conducted through the department,” adding that the state government is proceeding with the tendering process for driving test centres across the state.
An estimate of ₹ 1.5 crore has been prepared for this centre, and the work will be carried out once the tendering process is completed, he said.
“The centre should have proper seating arrangements for people waiting for their driving tests,” said Rishi, an applicant. “The signboards should clearly explain the driving test procedure so that applicants know what they are required to do,” said Anurag, another applicant. However, Jaspreet Kaur, a clerk at the centre, said, “I have been here for only two days. Regional transport officer Mankanwal Singh Chahal said, “The matter is already under consideration, and the process is underway.
