Chennai: Private bus operators in Tamil Nadu have sought government intervention, alleging significant price differences in the sale of GPS devices equipped with panic buttons and reflective stickers, which are required for annual fitness certificate renewal. State transport department officials have stated that steps are being taken to bring transparency in pricing and align with models followed in neighbouring states.
Meeting Highlights Price Disparity
At a meeting held in Chennai on Monday, the All Omni Bus Owners Association, led by president A Anbalagan, highlighted that certified vehicle location tracking devices (VLTD) were being sold in Tamil Nadu for prices ranging from 14,000 to 18,000, while similar devices in neighbouring states cost between 6,000 and 7,000. The association pointed out that although VLTD installation has been mandatory since 2016, enforcement has been tightened only recently.
Upcoming Mandates and Compliance Issues
Furthermore, from April 1, 2026, national permit lorries will be required to install these devices not only for fitness certificate renewal but also for tax payment procedures. An official noted that currently, some lorries are stranded in Bihar and Odisha due to non-compliance with these requirements.
Steps Towards Transparency
Tamil Nadu is now attempting to replicate Karnataka's model by publishing the price ranges of empanelled VLTD providers, the official added. "As a first step, rates quoted during the EOI stage along with company addresses would be uploaded on the Tamil Nadu State Transport Authority website within days, while further steps including price fixation could be considered later," the official said.
Digital Shift in Neighbouring States
The association noted that states such as Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, and Puducherry have shifted transport monitoring, tax collection, and document verification systems to digital platforms following changes introduced from September 2021. However, Tamil Nadu still continues with physical border check-post inspections, leading to stoppages, document verification, and delays for omni buses and public transport vehicles.
