Maruti Suzuki Partners with Bihar Government to Automate Five New Driving Test Tracks

New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with the Transport Department, Government of Bihar, to automate driving license test tracks at Bhagalpur, Darbhanga, Gaya, Purnia, and Saran. This initiative is part of Maruti Suzuki’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program to enhance road safety and transparency in license issuance.

The agreement was formalized in the presence of Bihar’s Transport Minister, Smt. Sheela Kumari, and Transport Department Secretary, Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (IAS). Shri Navin Kumar (IAS), State Transport Commissioner, and Shri Tarun Agarwal, Senior Vice President, CSR at Maruti Suzuki, represented their respective organizations.

The Automated Driving Test Tracks (ADTTs) will eliminate human intervention, ensuring efficient, comprehensive, and transparent testing for two-wheelers (TW) and light motor vehicles (LMV). These tracks are equipped with high-definition cameras and integrated IT systems, adhering to Central Motor Vehicle Rules (CMVR) for standardized driver evaluation.

Speaking on the occasion, Smt. Sheela Kumari praised Maruti Suzuki’s commitment to road safety:
"By automating test tracks in Aurangabad and Patna, we have witnessed significant improvements in license testing outcomes. Expanding this initiative to five more districts will strengthen our efforts to ensure only skilled drivers are licensed, ultimately making Bihar’s roads safer."

Maruti Suzuki’s Executive Officer, Corporate Affairs, Mr. Rahul Bharti, highlighted the broader implications of this collaboration:
"India has one of the highest road accident rates globally. With 15.3 lakh lives lost over a decade, enhancing driver skills and knowledge is critical. Automated testing ensures only well-prepared drivers receive licenses, reducing accidents caused by human error. This partnership with the Bihar government is a step toward achieving this goal."

Since 2018, Maruti Suzuki has been associated with the Bihar government through initiatives like the Institute of Driving and Traffic Research (IDTR) in Aurangabad. The company has automated 27 driving test tracks across Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Bihar, and Haryana, with plans to expand to 44 tracks nationwide, including 12 additional tracks in Uttar Pradesh.

The addition of these five tracks will bolster Bihar’s efforts in promoting responsible driving practices and reducing road accidents.