Pampore, November 19, 2025 – Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the Automated Testing Station in Pampore, marking a pivotal advancement in bolstering road safety and fortifying the transport infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. This state-of-the-art facility, designed to streamline vehicle fitness certifications through automated diagnostics, is poised to revolutionize regulatory compliance and reduce accident risks by ensuring only roadworthy vehicles ply the union territory’s diverse terrains.The foundation-laying ceremony, held amidst a gathering of local stakeholders and dignitaries, was graced by Minister for Transport Satish Sharma and MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Bashir Ahmad Veeri. Addressing the attendees, Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized the initiative’s alignment with broader goals of modernizing the transport sector. “This Automated Testing Station will not only enhance road safety but also inject efficiency into our transport infrastructure, supporting economic vitality and seamless mobility for our citizens,” Abdullah remarked, highlighting the facility’s integration of cutting-edge technology such as AI-driven inspections for brakes, emissions, and structural integrity.Spanning over 10 acres, the Pampore station is the first of its kind in the Kashmir Valley, with an estimated cost of ₹25 crore and a projected completion timeline of 18 months. It will feature automated lanes for commercial and private vehicles, digital record-keeping to curb manual errors, and eco-friendly testing protocols in line with national standards set by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. Officials anticipate it will process up to 200 vehicles daily upon commissioning, alleviating bottlenecks at existing manual centers and promoting a culture of preventive maintenance.The event underscores the Jammu and Kashmir government’s renewed focus on infrastructure-led development post the recent assembly elections.
Transport Minister Satish Sharma lauded the CM’s vision, noting, “By introducing this Automated Testing Station, we are taking decisive steps to minimize human error in vehicle checks, directly contributing to safer roads and a greener future.” MLA Veeri echoed these sentiments, stressing the project’s potential to generate local employment and foster ancillary services like repair hubs in Pampore, a saffron-rich hub already pivotal to the region’s agro-economy.This initiative complements ongoing efforts to upgrade connectivity, including the recent reviews of major highways and tunnels by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo.
With Jammu and Kashmir witnessing a surge in vehicular traffic due to tourism resurgence and improved road networks, the Automated Testing Station is expected to play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum while prioritizing public safety.Local residents and industry representatives welcomed the development, viewing it as a boon for compliance and cost savings. “Pampore’s strategic location makes it ideal for this facility, bridging Srinagar and south Kashmir’s transport needs,” said a Srinagar-based fleet operator attending the event.For more on the Automated Testing Station project, visit the official Jammu and Kashmir Transport Department portal.
