Chennai: Chennai, the hub for used-vehicle sales in Tamil Nadu, reported zero second-hand vehicle ownership transfers over the past week, disrupting transactions and leaving sellers and buyers in limbo. The glitch also impacted renewal of fitness certificates (FCs) for taxis and autos. A technical issue in the Union govt's Parivahan server stalled processes at regional transport offices (RTOs).
Vehicle ownership transfers require clearing all pending traffic challans issued for violations including signal jumping, riding without helmets and speeding. Along with the original registration certificate, insurance, and pollution certificates, a clearance certificate confirming no pending tax dues/challans is mandatory.
Many vehicle owners remain unaware of challans issued automatically by traffic violation detection cameras. A senior transport official said that since not all owners linked their old vehicles to mobile numbers, they miss receiving text alerts and only learn about pending dues when visiting RTOs to complete a sale.
K Kathirmathiyon, a transportation activist, said, "Even when transport officials try to assist sellers by processing fine payments, Parivahan server remains non-functional, affecting not only Chennai but also other parts of the state." Aarumugam, a taxi driver from Madipakkam, said he visited the RTO three times to renew his taxi's FC, but the payment page crashed every time. "I've already lost three days of income due to this glitch. When asked for an explanation, RTO staff blame police, who in turn blame Union govt and the National Informatics Centre (NIC)."
Over 2,000 vehicles are now stuck in queues at RTOs every morning, with growing backlogs and no clarity on when the issue will be resolved. "This is the peak season for used-car sales, with many dealers rolling out offers. With new cars becoming more expensive due to rising taxes and used cars being 30% cheaper, we anticipate a further surge in sales. It would help if govt resolves this issue promptly," said G Thyagarajan, an auto dealer.