PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Transport department is planning to introduce a new QR code payment method for issuing green cards to drivers of commercial vehicles in the Char Dham Yatra this year, the nodal officer for the Yatra and the regional transport officer (Administration) in Dehradun division, Sandeep Saini said.
Saini said that following the conclusion of last year’s Char Dham Yatra, meetings were held to prepare for this year’s event. Challenges faced during the previous Yatra and how to address them effectively were discussed by officials. One of the main points raised was the difficulty that commercial vehicles operators encountered while making online payments for the green card applications. To resolve this and acting on the direction of the State Transport department, a new payment method is set to be introduced for this year’s Yatra.
Under the new initiative, drivers can now use a QR code for payment this year. Previously, drivers had to apply online for the green card and pay online (net banking), which sometimes required them to visit internet cafes that often-charged high fees for this service. The introduction of the QR code will simplify the process, allowing individuals to scan the code easily to pay for the green card fee. In addition, the HDFC payment gateway has been added alongside the existing SBI gateway. This means that if one payment gateway is down, the other can still be used for transactions.
Saini further added on the process, stating that the green card is issued based on the physical inspection of the vehicle and the review of essential documents. Applicants need to submit their documents online, including vehicle number, fitness certificate, insurance and more. Following the online application, payment for the green card will be processed through the new payment method. The implementation of this new payment system is currently underway and is expected to be complete soon. With this, it is expected that the issuance of green cards will commence in the last week of March, Saini added.
He also said that after applying online for the green card, physical inspections of the commercial vehicles will take place at the respective near by offices. This year, due to increased foot traffic, instead of inspections in the Dehradun RTO office, it will be conducted at the Asharodi check post. If a vehicle fails the physical inspection, the green card will be rejected immediately.
In addition to the online payment method, individuals will now receive their green card link via WhatsApp, making it easier to present at check posts during the Char Dham Yatra. Notably, Saini confirmed that the validity of the green card will extend until November.
