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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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
