Tree falls on RTO shed, damaging computers used for issuing learner's licence

The wait for your learner's licence just got longer. If previously, it were the outdated computer and operating systems of the Regional Transport Office (RTO) that were hampering the speedy issue of licences, then now the stumbling block is a tree.


Destructive: The gulmohar tree that fell on the RTO shed that housed
the computers used to issue learner's licences at the RTO.
Pic/Jignesh Mistry

A gulmohar, infested with termite, fell on the RTO shed that housed all the computer systems, other hardware and wiring for software, used to issue learner's licences.

The authority issues about 200 learner's licences everyday. All the systems, major and minor, have been reportedly destroyed. Also, the crucial wiring that connects the systems to the server has been severed, said a source. As a result, the department that issues the learner's licence will be closed for two days.

The reconstruction of the structure has been undertaken by the Public Works Department (PWD), which Regional Transport Officer Chandrakant Kharatmal said would take at least three days.u00a0 "The systems haven't been extensively damaged and the repair work is underway in full swing," he said.

No upgrade
What will exacerbate the problem is that the RTO is currently facing a severe technology crunch as it has been running on archaic systems, softwares and operating systems that haven't been upgraded since 1996. RTO officials said the entire server-enabled systems could conk off any second.

MiD DAY had reported on February 28 (RTO comps on crash course), about how the office still used black-and-white computer monitors, softwares and operating systems which were procured in the early 90s. The authority also faced two sudden shutdowns, in January and February this year, when computer systems crashed.

An RTO official on condition of anonymity said that the damage was extensive and would take time to be repaired and the systems running smoothly anytime soon. "Preliminarily, it seems the severed wires will take time to be rejoined. However, nothing can be predicted as of now, as technicians may fix the problem quickly," he said.

2 more offices
Two more offices of the Deputy Regional Transport Officer are being proposed at Bavdhan and Hadapsar, the meeting for which is scheduled in Mantralay, Mumbai on the 15th of this month. The primary aim is to take the load off from the head office at Sangam Bridge, which is already understaffed. The transport commissioner and the secretary will be present at the meeting.