Telangana RTA ends slot booking for all services
HYDERABAD: The state Transport Department has initiated steps to eliminate the agent system and shift all services to an online mode. Officials plan to deliver all services through central government portals such as Vahan and Sarathi.
At present, the department offers select online services through these platforms. In the coming days, it plans to provide a total of 23 services online. With this transition, the existing slot booking system will be discontinued.
Shift aims to remove delays in slot system
Currently, services at Regional Transport Authority (RTA) offices are available only after booking a slot in advance. Applicants often wait for days without securing a slot, making it difficult to access services.
However, allegations persist that agents secure slots easily in exchange for commissions, allowing bookings at preferred times. The government views this as undue dependence on intermediaries and has moved to address it.
Phased reforms already underway in department
As part of the reforms, the government has already removed inter-state check-posts and introduced online services. Vehicle registration has been delegated to showrooms, while printing and dispatch of driving licences and registration certificates are being centralised.
The decision to abolish slot booking and provide direct access through the transport portal is expected to make services faster and more transparent. It is also likely to reduce reliance on agents among vehicle owners.
