Fitness testing and issuance of certificates have been suspended at local Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) and shifted to divisional headquarters such as Bhopal, Gwalior, Indore and Jabalpur. As a result, vehicle owners from districts like Guna, Shivpuri, Sheopur and Ashoknagar must now travel to other cities to comply with legal requirements.

Transport department officials confirmed that fitness services are currently unavailable in at least 27 districts. In Guna, no vehicle fitness inspections are being conducted at the local transport office, forcing owners to seek services elsewhere. Similar conditions have been reported from the Vindhya, Malwa, Nimar and Mahakaushal regions.

The disruption follows a policy decision by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways to introduce Automatic Fitness Testing Stations (AFTS) operated by private agencies. The move aims to centralise and modernise vehicle fitness testing. However, the existing district-level system was discontinued before the new automated infrastructure became operational, creating a service vacuum.

Commercial vehicle operators say the impact has been severe. Auto driver Mohammad Anees said travelling to Bhopal or Gwalior means vehicles remain idle for at least a day. “We lose around ₹500 in daily earnings and spend additional money on fuel and travel,” he said.

Another vehicle owner, Kamal Singh Parihar, warned of the risk of penalties during enforcement drives. “If a vehicle is caught without a fitness certificate, the fine is ₹5,000. Taking the vehicle outside the district itself is risky,” he said.

Naresh, a resident of Guna, said the situation could push small operators out of work. “People cannot afford to spend ₹50,000 or more just to meet compliance requirements,” he said, referring to cumulative losses and expenses.

Distances to the nearest fitness centres have compounded the problem. Vehicle owners from Guna must travel up to 211 km to Bhopal, while those in Shahdol travel about 210 km to Satna. In districts like Dindori, Seoni and Khandwa, journeys range from 116 km to 158 km.

Responding to the concerns, Guna Assistant Regional Transport Officer Gyanendra Vaishya said vehicle owners are currently required to visit divisional centres. “Fitness certificates are being issued outside districts. Vehicle owners can choose any authorised centre. A new system will be implemented soon,” he said.

Until alternative arrangements are put in place, transporters warn that delays and compliance risks will continue to affect livelihoods and transport services across the state.