Two-wheeler and four-wheeler test riders and drivers want the State Transport Department to improve the quality of amenities at the test track at Sholinganallur.
The testing ground, where the driving skills of two and four-wheeler riders are tested before they are issued driving licences, is located on Kalaignar Karunanidhi Salai that connects East Coast Road at Akkarai and Rajiv Gandhi Salai at Sholinganallur. The facility, a young motorcyclist said, lacked shelter, seating, drinking water facilities and wash rooms.
“Not only at Sholinganallur, but at many testing grounds across the city, there are no basic amenities. I had a harrowing experience at Poonamallee. Many Regional Transport Offices (RTO) do not have a dedicated ground for testing,” said R. Santhosh. The tests are mostly conducted on grounds, empty plots and even on arterial roads.
“The testing track is located nearly one km from the Sholinganallur RTO,” said A.V. Karthik. Members of Traffic and Transportation Forum, a non-governmental organisation, said that as more number of people above the age of 50 are applying for driving licences, the authorities should provide drinking water and shelter. RTO officials, while admitting the lack of basic civic amenities at testing grounds, told The Hindu that they would review the problem.
