Chandigarh: The Haryana government has decided to construct new state-of the-art-modern bus stands, create state register and issue smart card-based driving licences and registration of certificates across the state.

These new bus stands will meet the changing needs of public transportation and have a high-grade infrastructure and support services to provide comfortable and efficient services to passengers.

“Initially, tenders will be floated shortly for 20 locations for the development of modern bus stations. Four consultancy firms have also been appointed for advising and determining the yardsticks for establishment of state-of-the-art-modern infrastructure,” said a senior officer of the Transport Department.

The locations that have been selected include Karnal, Panchkula, Manesar, Bahadurgarh, Faridabad (NIT), Faridabad (Ballabhgarh), Yamunanagar, Rohtak, Gurgaon (near Rajiv Chowk), Gurgaon ( existing bus stand), Gurgaon (Sector 29), Faridabad (Sector 12), Palwal, Bawal, Sonipat, Kundli, Panipat, Ambala City, Hisar and Pipli.

Besides, the Transport Department has decided to create a state register and issue smart card-based driving licences and registration certificates through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.

“Issuance of driving licences, registration certificates and permit will be undertaken by using smart card technology through outsourcing. Following the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, a state register will be maintained and the computerised data will be available to all states. All the old records will be computerised,” added the official.

As part of the project, the data related to driving licences, vehicle registration, permits, conductor licences will be digitised and made available online. Smart card will ensure adequate security features to prevent fake driving licences and vehicle registration. 

The Central government has provided the hardware for this project. In the first phase, about 1,000 hand terminals will be provided to the Police Department for reading the data stored in smart cards.