Revised fitness test fee sparks State-wide protest from motorists

A wave of protests has erupted across the State after the recent revision of vehicle fitness test fees by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, with bus operators, autorickshaw drivers and used-vehicle dealers staging strong resistance against what they describe as an “unjust financial burden” on economically weaker sections. The Motor Vehicles department’s latest order confirming the implementation of the new tariff with effect from November 17 is the main trigger behind the united objection.

Trade unions and associations representing these groups allege that the revised tariff is meant to upset people who depend on their old vehicles for their livelihood. They have sought the immediate withdrawal of the new fee structure, arguing that it exploits lower-income groups.

The All Kerala Bus Operators Association functionaries say the government’s latest decision blatantly undermines earlier court orders that had favoured bus operators, many of whom already pay a green tax for running old buses. They point out that the fitness test fee for buses over 20 years has shot up to ₹25,000, a dramatic jump from the earlier ₹3,500, worsening the financial crisis of operators already struggling with increasing costs.

“The biggest setback is the enforcement of these rules for even 10-year-old commercial vehicles, replacing the previous 15-year term under the three-tier classification system. Under the new structure, the fee for light motor vehicles above 20 years has also increased from ₹10,000 to ₹15,000,” says P. Mohammed, a functionary of the association. He points out that it is unjust to collect ₹20,000 as a fee from even the medium commercial vehicles in the same age bracket. 

Autorickshaw drivers across the State have also taken a strong stand against the revision. The All Kerala Swathanthra Auto-rickshaw Thozhilali union, affiliated with the Hindustan Mazdur Sangh, describes the move as an attempt to push out drivers who depend on old vehicles for self-employment. The union functionaries led by N. Lakshmanan allege that many drivers are already dealing with heavy fines and tax demands while lacking any welfare support from the government. The new fee, they argue, will further squeeze a segment that is already down with “hostile” policies.

Another segment of protesters who voiced their concerns against the new tariff is the Kerala State Used-Vehicle Dealers and Brokers Association, led by Siddique Maliyekkal. They claim that the used vehicle market largely caters to ordinary people who cannot afford new vehicles. The steep fee hike, they warn, will derail the hope of lakhs of financially struggling families who depend on affordable second-hand vehicles.

With protests gaining momentum under various organisations, discussions are also under way regarding the launch of a State-wide strike. Private bus operators say that they will mobilise support from multiple organisations in the transport and used-vehicle sectors to press for the cancellation of the revised fees.