Punjab News: Transport Department to Resume Printing of DL and RC Smart Cards Soon

The Transport Department is set to resume the printing of driving licences (DL) and registration certificates (RC) smart cards, which had been stalled for over three months due to a shortage of smart cards. The delay has caused a backlog of over 3 lakh pending applications, creating difficulties for applicants, especially those needing to drive outside the state.

Shortage of Smart Cards Delays Issuance

The state, which has nearly 1.40 crore registered vehicles, typically issues 8,000 to 10,000 DLs and RCs daily. However, the backlog has continued to grow as the contract with the previous vendor, Smart Chip Pvt Ltd, ended, and a new vendor has yet to be assigned the printing work. The regional transport authorities (RTAs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) have been struggling to keep up with the increasing pendency.

Printing to Resume Soon

A senior government official stated that the technical bids for procuring smart cards have been opened, and printing is expected to begin shortly. The department is set to procure 15 lakh smart cards to meet demand. To expedite the process, 140 staff members have been hired on contract for printing smart cards and conducting driving tests at automated driving ranges.

Temporary Measures for Commuters

Until the backlog is cleared, the government has instructed police officials to accept digital copies of RCs and DLs shown via DigiLocker or the mParivahan mobile app. Commuters carrying these online documents should not be penalized.

With the new vendor expected to start printing soon, the Transport Department aims to clear the backlog swiftly and streamline the issuance of DL and RC smart cards in the state.