The Motor Vehicles Department is undertaking major reforms to make its services faster and more accessible to the public. The department is progressing rapidly by focusing on digitalisation, faster complaint resolution, service upgrades, and stronger road safety measures.
One of the key achievements is the introduction of driving test tracks and strict testing methods to ensure that drivers are well-trained to handle vehicles and follow road rules. A Learner's Mobile App has been developed, and steps are being taken to include a Hazard Perception Simulator Test in driving tests to improve the training of new drivers.
As part of India’s first fully automated traffic enforcement system, 726 cameras, including AI-powered ones were installed on Kerala’s roads on June 5, 2023. These cameras detect violations like illegal parking and mobile phone use while driving. A special syllabus has been created to assign community service to traffic violators and raise awareness to prevent repeat offences. Serious offenders may face license suspension and will be given intensive training. Inspections of vehicles, including school buses, have also been strengthened.
Under the government’s 100-day action plan, the Citizen Sentinel app has been launched to allow the public to report traffic violations directly. This feature is also available in the M-Parivahan app under the “Report Traffic Violations - Register a Complaint” option. The department has also stopped printing physical driving licenses. Now, digital licenses can be downloaded through the Sarathi website using the "Download Your Driving License (DYDL)" system.
The Safe Kerala project was launched to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Under this initiative, 85 enforcement squads have been formed across the state. Their responsibilities include detecting traffic violations, identifying dangerous spots, suggesting safety measures, conducting awareness programs, and investigating accidents.
During the Sabarimala pilgrimage season, the department formed 24-hour squads and established three control rooms to ensure safe travel. The Motor Vehicles Department also works closely with medical teams to provide emergency support to accident victims. For the first time, ambulance rental and waiting charges have been standardised across the state.
All department services are now available online. To improve office efficiency, a new rule ensures that no officer holds a file for more than five days. Several awareness and enforcement drives have been launched — such as 'Safety to Save Life', Operation Rash, Operation Decibel, Operation Night Riders, Operation Overload, and Clear Path — to tackle issues like illegal vehicle modifications, excessive noise, overloading, and misuse of ambulances.
The government plans to start 503 new bus routes based on suggestions from each assembly constituency. A bus concession app for students is being developed in partnership with Kerala Startup Mission. Road safety cartoons will also be shown in schools and public places to spread awareness among children and the general public.
New initiatives coming soon include virtual check posts with ANPR cameras, 19 automated vehicle testing stations, accredited driver training centres, and a software system for a special government vehicle registration series (KL 90). Since the current government took office, the department has focused on improving services, ensuring road safety, and upgrading transportation facilities across the state.
