Thiruvananthapuram: The continuous malfunctioning of the Vahan-Sarathi software for the past five days has severely affected the functioning of Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) offices in Kerala. Vehicle owners and driving licence applicants are struggling as they are unable to submit applications. The Motor Vehicles Department has received a notification from the Central Government stating that it is a nationwide issue and will be resolved soon.

On Monday, the first working day after the holidays, Vahan-Sarathi services were completely disrupted, bringing the functioning of MVD offices to a standstill. Owners of vehicles whose registration or fitness certificates are expiring are unable to pay fees due to the software failure and are now facing the prospect of paying heavy penalties. However, as the disruption is on a national level, applicants are hopeful of receiving some leniency.

The failure to implement software modifications requested by the state in a timely manner has further burdened the Motor Vehicles Department.

A delegation of senior officials, led by Transport Commissioner Nagaraju Chakilam, will reach Delhi within two weeks to inform the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways about the various issues faced by the state, including the halt in tax collection from All India Permit vehicles. The officials are scheduled to hold discussions with top Central authorities.