The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has proposed draft amendments to modernize driving licence services through the SARATHI portal. The changes include mandatory safe-driving tutorials, fee waivers for Aadhaar-authenticated services, and strict 15-day processing deadlines. These updates aim to reduce administrative delays and increase digital adoption, with a 30-day window now open for public feedback.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has introduced draft amendments to the central motor vehicle rules, aimed at digitizing and streamlining the licensing process for millions of applicants across the country. The proposed changes focus on leveraging technology to reduce administrative friction and improve the ease of access for citizens using the government’s SARATHI portal.
Digital Adoption and Administrative Speed
A primary goal of the proposal is to encourage digital engagement through the SARATHI platform. The government has suggested offering fee waivers for services that are authenticated via Aadhaar, effectively creating an incentive for citizens to adopt digital modes of verification. By consolidating forms and reducing the need for re-entering information, the ministry aims to modernize administrative workflows.
To address long-standing concerns regarding bureaucratic delays, the draft notification introduces strict, time-bound processing rules. Authorities would be required to approve or reject requests for personal detail updates within 15 days. Furthermore, a 'deemed approval' mechanism is proposed for address changes. If an official fails to act on an address update request within 30 days, it will be automatically approved. This move is intended to hold regional transport authorities accountable and expedite document processing.
Safety and Documentation Reforms
Beyond administrative changes, the ministry is seeking to elevate road safety standards by updating the assessment criteria. The pass threshold for the safe-driving tutorial is proposed to rise from 60% to 75%. Additionally, applicants will be mandated to complete a minimum 30-minute tutorial session, signaling a move toward prioritizing safety education over simple compliance.
Documentation protocols are also being revised to reflect current verification needs. While standard documents like birth certificates, passports, and voter identity cards remain valid, the ministry plans to remove LIC policy documents from the list of accepted residential proofs. Meanwhile, current utility bills—such as electricity and piped gas records—will continue to be accepted, provided they have been issued within the last three months.
For the industry and the public, these proposed reforms signify a broader shift toward digital public infrastructure. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on how efficiently the transport departments can implement these automated workflows and manage potential system bottlenecks. The ministry has invited public feedback on these draft amendments for a period of 30 days. Investors and analysts may monitor the final notification of these rules to understand the potential for improved service delivery efficiency in the public transport sector.