Karnataka Transport Department computerizes Bangalore RTOs

The Transport Department of Karnataka has computerized and networked 11 Regional Transport Offices (RTO) in the Bangalore region, with the state's 46 other RTOs to follow suit in the coming months. The computerization and networking means that residents of Bangalore can walk into any of the 11 RTOs for availing its various services, irrespective of place of residence/business within the city. 

The 11 RTOs coming under the Bangalore district include:

• Koramangala, also known as Bangalore Central
• Rajajinagar, also known as Bangalore West
• Indiranagar, also known as Bangalore East
• Jayanagar, also known as Bangalore South
• Yeshwanthpura, also known as Bangalore North
• Yelahanka
• Devanahalli
• Jnanabharathi
• Electronic City
• Krishnarajapuram
• Nelamangala

The networking of Bangalore RTOs makes obtaining a driving/learner license more convenient than ever before. Also, the computerization of RTOs is said to eliminate touts, who are a regular sight outside most of Bangalore's RTOs, and the associated corruption. Eventually, all RTOs in states across India will be covered by computerization and networking through the Vahan and Sarathi softwares. 

The Vahan and Sarathi softwares have been developed by the National Informatics Center, the Indian government's web services organization. With the computerization of the RTOs in Bangalore, many public services can be availed of through online sections called Sarathi and Vahan. While the Sarathi section of the Karnataka RTO portal handles driver/rider licenses, the Vahan section handles vehicle registration, permits and taxation.

While the Sarathi section will officially go live on the 7th of October, the Vahan section will go live a few months down the line. As of now, online applications for the Learner's License, Driver's License and Registration Certificate upon the purchase of a new vehicle are already available. Also, learner and driver licenses will be issued online from the 7th of October, upon an applicant successfully meeting license requirements and paying the required fees.

The payment gateway is handled by the State Bank of India. In the coming months, more services such as hypothecation of vehicle and certificate of fitness will be issued online.