The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has announced an extension for manual fitness tests for commercial vehicles until October 2026. This decision comes in response to challenges faced by drivers and operators due to the unavailability of Automated Testing Stations (ATS) in several regions, notably in Pune, Maharashtra. Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol highlighted that the extension aims to protect the livelihoods of transporters, particularly auto rickshaw drivers and small-scale operators, who form the backbone of society. The transition to the ATS system, intended to improve road safety and standardize vehicle fitness testing, has encountered significant delays and technical issues, resulting in a complete halt in fitness tests across 11 regional transport office (RTO) jurisdictions. This disruption has financially impacted vehicle owners who rely on timely renewals. Bapu Bhave, president of the Vidyarthi Vahatuk Sanghatana, welcomed the extension as a necessary relief, urging drivers to ensure their vehicles undergo mandatory inspections promptly.