LEH: Chief Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal on Thursday spearheaded Ladakh’s latest transport upgrade with the inauguration of a fully automated Vehicle Inspection and Certification Centre (ICC) at Phyang, marking a move toward technology-driven oversight of vehicle fitness in the Union Territory.
Dr. Kotwal inspected the newly established centre and reviewed its automated modules—ranging from speed and gas/smoke analysis to side-slip and suspension testing—designed to deliver precise assessments of vehicle performance and safety. Officials said the systems will help ensure only roadworthy and emission-compliant vehicles operate on Ladakh’s challenging terrain.
Calling the facility an essential addition to Ladakh’s transport ecosystem, the Chief Secretary underscored the role of automated testing in strengthening road safety, curbing pollution, and improving the reliability of public transport services across the region.
The ICC has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and implemented by WAPCOS Private Limited, a Government of India enterprise. The centre is equipped with ATS ELGI machinery that conducts fully automated inspections of braking efficiency, suspension performance, side-slip stability, and emission levels, minimizing human intervention and enhancing transparency.
Administrative Secretary (Transport) Bhupesh Chaudhary, RTO Leh Dr. Zahida Bano, and senior Transport Department officials accompanied Dr. Kotwal during the inspection. The team examined the operational layout and highlighted the centre’s potential to streamline fitness certification and raise accountability within the system. Once fully functional, the Phyang ICC is expected to emerge as a model facility for high-altitude regions.
A day earlier, Dr. Kotwal chaired the 5th Governing Council Meeting of the Ladakh Skill Development Mission (LSDM) at the Civil Secretariat. The Council approved the Annual Action Plan for FY 2025–26 and cleared proposals to upgrade laboratories for skill-based courses in Government Degree Colleges.
Members also reviewed initiatives including expert lecture series in ITIs and polytechnics and upcoming incubation centres aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among students.
Emphasizing the need for quality infrastructure and industry-relevant training, the Chief Secretary noted the Mission’s gains under NEP 2020. Officials reported that 16 Skill Centres across seven higher-education institutions are now offering 11 courses, with more than 400 students having completed certification programmes.
