Automated driving test track in Pajir to begin operations on August 18
MANGALURU: The newly inaugurated Automated Driving Test Track at Pajir, near Mudipu, Mangaluru, is set to become fully operational from August 18, 2025, Transport Department officials confirmed in a report published in The Hindu.
With an aim to reduce human error and ensure a transparent, objective assessment of driving skills, this advanced facility was inaugurated by Transport Minister B. Ramalinga Reddy on July 13, which is designed to streamline the driving licence test process through the use of sensors and monitoring systems.
Initially scheduled for commissioning within two weeks of inauguration, its launch was delayed due to heavy rains, which left the tracks slippery and posed safety concerns for applicants. “We postponed the commissioning as there was a genuine risk of candidates slipping during the trial. The track has since been thoroughly cleaned and is now deemed safe for use,” The Hindu quoted an official as saying.
The existing manual testing facility at Vamanjoor will conduct its final round of tests on August 16. From August 18 onward, all driving tests will be held exclusively at Pajir.
Senior RTO and Deputy Commissioner of Transport Shridhar K. Mallad said that candidates who have already booked slots post-August 18 will be required to appear at the new venue.
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Bengaluru: Four arrested for housebreaking, threats, extortion; fake PSI among accused
Bengaluru: Vidyaranyapura police have arrested four persons, including a man posing as a Police Sub-Inspector (PSI), for allegedly breaking into a house, threatening the occupants, and extorting money while wearing police uniforms.
The arrested accused have been identified as Mallikarjuna, Pramod, Vinay, and Hrithik.
Police said the accused had hatched a plan to pose as police personnel, conduct fake raids, and extort money from residents by intimidation.
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According to the police, Mallikarjuna had failed the PSI examination twice and later falsely projected himself as a PSI. He allegedly conducted photo shoots in his hometown, Siraguppa, wearing a police uniform, baton, cap, and shoes, claiming to be serving as a PSI in Bengaluru.
On December 7, the four accused allegedly went to the house of Naveen in the Vidyaranyapura limits, threatened him with a stick and an iron rod, and claimed they had information that he was selling ganja. Under the pretext of searching, they allegedly extorted ₹87,000 through bank transfer, ₹53,000 in cash kept in the house, and ₹2,000 from his wallet.
Following Naveen’s complaint, Vidyaranyapura police registered a case and launched an operation, leading to the arrest of all four accused. Police have seized ₹45,000 in cash and the car used to commit the crime.
Further investigation is underway.
