Vehicle owners struggle with delayed RC Smart cards

Vehicle owners struggle with delayed RC Smart cards

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 29, 2025: Purchasing a new vehicle has turned into a frustrating ordeal for many in Karnataka, as RC smart cards remain undelivered despite months of waiting. Owners in cities like Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Udupi, Mysuru, Bidar, and Puttur are grappling with significant delays in receiving their vehicle registration smart cards.

Even after two to three months of purchase, many owners hesitate to drive without official registration documents. Some have been fined during police inspections, while others are forced to make repeated visits to government offices in search of answers.

Persistent delays and lack of clarity

This issue has persisted for the past two years, with transport department officials citing "technical problems" but offering no concrete solutions. Particularly in border areas like coastal Karnataka, vehicle owners face additional challenges, as Kerala police reportedly do not allow vehicles to operate without proper registration documents. Frustrated owners have also turned to dealerships, demanding resolutions.

What’s causing the delay?

The delays stem from the expiration of a contract with Rosmerta, a private agency responsible for issuing smart cards. Though a temporary extension has been granted, critics argue that the government’s failure to implement a seamless transition is the root cause of the problem.

Technical glitches in software transfer

A major setback occurred last year during the migration of software systems, leading to errors in card data and further disruptions in distribution. Despite assurances that the issue would be resolved, vehicle owners continue to face uncertainty.

Mobile notifications sent, but no cards in sight

Many vehicle owners receive SMS notifications stating their smart cards have been dispatched via post. However, weeks pass without delivery, leaving them in limbo. A Mangaluru resident recounted his futile visits to the post office, RTO, and vehicle showroom despite receiving a dispatch notification.

Documents available on DigiLocker

Officials attribute the delay to a shortage of chip-embedded smart cards, but emphasize that all necessary vehicle documents are available on the DigiLocker platform, which can serve as temporary proof.

Authorities downplay the issue

While some RTO officials acknowledge the smart card shortage, senior transport officials insist there is no major crisis.

“Technical issues may cause occasional delays, but they are not widespread. Local RTOs facing such problems are expected to resolve them independently,” said Yogesh A. M., State Transport Commissioner.

However, vehicle owners tell a different story.

"It has been two months since I bought my car, yet the smart card is nowhere to be found. No one is giving clear answers. Officials assured me it would be delivered by post, but I’m still waiting. Traveling without it, especially on long trips, has become a huge hassle,” said Lokesh, a car owner from Mangaluru.

With no definitive resolution in sight, vehicle owners continue to navigate bureaucratic hurdles, hoping for a long-overdue solution.