OTP for pollution test: Kerala vehicle owners seek grace time to update mobile numbers

Kozhikode: Pollution testing centre operators have been left troubled by a new update on the Parivahan website, which now requires an OTP sent to the mobile number registered with the vehicle’s RC book in order to conduct pollution testing. While they welcomed the new system, they criticised the authorities for implementing it promptly without any prior notice.

Many vehicles in Kerala are not linked to Aadhaar, and numerous owners have not updated their mobile numbers. The Vehicle Emission Testing Owners Association (VITOA) office-bearers told a press conference that the Motor Vehicles Department should provide sufficient time for vehicle owners to complete these updates. In the state, about 40,000–45,000 vehicles undergo testing daily.

However, on Tuesday, only 21,000 tests were conducted. Many vehicles had to return without completing the test because they did not receive the OTP, said general secretary Krishnan Ambadi.

The association demanded a three-month grace period for linking mobile numbers and the setting up of a special counter at RTO offices to facilitate the process. They also urged swift verification and approval of online applications. Vehicles that fail the test continue to run on the roads, and the association called for stronger enforcement by the Motor Vehicles Department. State Working Secretary Joyson Joy and district joint secretaries Shaiju Cheruvalath and Joju were present at the press conference.