Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Mar 27: The regional transport office (RTO) in the city witnessed an unexpected protest by motor vehicle dealers and owners on Tuesday, March 27.

City based two and four wheeler dealers and owners of auto and taxis landed at the RTO and demanded the rectification of issues faced on the new vehicle registration online facility Vahan-4. The protesters were not ready to vacate the office without receiving a satisfactory assurance.

The protesters alleged that registration of around 2,000 vehicles was pending in city as the RTO updated a latest software Vahan-4. The data migration to the new software is taking time affecting the registration process. Vehicle buyers are facing a torrid time in registering their new vehicles and also transfer of ownership of old vehicles.

“We are not against the software up-gradation. But before the up gradation, responsible authorities should make necessary arrangements. Mangaluru RTO is already facing shortage of staff. Without making any alternative arrangements and appointing dedicated staff, the officials ordered a deadline for the implementation of the new software. Now this will delay the entire process of registration,” the protesters said.

Replying to protesters, G S Hegde, regional transport officer, Mangaluru said, “We have updated the software from Vahan-3 to Vahan-4. We will start using this software from March 27. We know the difficulties which the vehicle owners are facing presently. At the time of implementation, there will be some issues. But we will rectify it. The data migration process from old to new software took some time. We will make all the necessary arrangements to issue temporary registration.”

After the assurance of G S Hegde, the protesters withdrew their protest and also warned that if their demands not fulfilled on time, they will organise a massive protest in front of RTO.