AC compressors, meant to cool the Rs 12-lakh driving test simulator, have been stolen
AC compressors, meant to cool the Rs 12-lakh driving test simulator, have been stolen
ADVERTISEMENT
The compressors of two AC units meant to cool off a driving test simulator, donated last year by Western India Automobile Association (WIAA), have been stolen even before the equipment could be put to use.
The AC components were stolen in the first week of December and a case of burglary was registered at the Tardeo police station on December 3
The Regional Transport Office, Tardeo, had been pleading helplessness in making the Rs 12-lakh equipment operational because of lack of space.
Even if the RTO wants to start the simulator now, it has to buy new compressors that would cost around Rs 1 lakh.
According to RTO officials, the security at the sprawling Tardeo office is negligible. "Though the gate is locked after office hours, anybody can scale the 6-ft wall and steal anything fromu00a0 the premises.
u00a0
Those who stole the AC compressor must be eyeing the Rs 12-lakh equipment. If adequate security is not provided on the premises, similar incidents can happen again," said an RTO official.
The AC components were stolen in the first week of December and a case of burglary was registered on December 3 at the Tardeo Police station.
Money talk
According to RTO officials, the WIAA first donated the equipment and then started demanding Rs 40 to 50 from each candidate for using the simulator.
"We will have to incorporate the provision of virtual driving test into RTO rulebooks and the department has to pass an order to this effect," said an official.
Since around 150 to 200 people take driving testsu00a0 at the Tardeo office everyday, they cannot depend solely on the virtual test, he added..
"There is a limit to how much a machine can be used. The equipment will be used for the first test and then the applicants' driving skills will be tested on the streets," he said.
The Other Side
Asked about charging a token amount for using the simulator, a WIAA official, who is not authorised to speak to media, said. "We have asked the RTO to charge a small sum from the candidates only to recover the cost of the simulator. We don't have any intention to make money out of it. The RTO can charge a small fee only for a small period and then discontinue it." WIAA chairman Nitin Dossa refused to comment.
Rs 12 lakh
Cost of the simulator at the Tardeo RTO centre
Rs 1 lakh
Cost of buying a new compressor to restart the simulator
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
