Hyderabad: Thousands of applicants trying to access various online services — including renewal of driving licence, learner’s licence and change of address among others — are having a tough time due to issues with the system’s functionality. While the RTA made 56 types of services online in 2016, it later made 17 essential services available under the ‘T-Folio’ application to reduce physical visits to its offices and allow users to avail themselves of these services using smartphones.
However, users are experiencing multiple technical issues, such as missing OTP notifications for completing transactions, payment-related issues, despite successful fund transfers, and errors in district recognition.
“I submitted my application for licence renewal through T-Folio at the Uppal RTA office in November last. The department is yet to responded to my application. I am currently in the US and planning to return to India within the next couple of months. As my licence is now expired, I am concerned about driving my car upon return as RTA is yet to process my renewal request,” said R Madhavi, an applicant.
Meanwhile, RTA officials said that technical issues within MeeSeva centres are affecting the online service delivery. “We have informed authorities in MeeSeva, which handles the T-Folio app, to stop sending any messages related to RTA transactions. However, we will try to restore the services in a week. As a temporary measure, we advise applicants to complete their forms manually on the website and visit RTA offices to finalise their transactions,” said M Chandrasekhar Goud, Joint Transport Commissioner (IT & Vigilance).
Many applicants complain that they are not able to receive OTPs and messages regarding the transactions, thereby making them wait at the offices for a long time. When a user tries to book a slot for various transactions, an OTP is sent to their registered mobile number to proceed with the service. However, it is taking a lot of time, like an hour or two hours, to receive OTPs, they said. Moreover, some of them are not even receiving messages on the allotment of registration numbers for vehicles and driving licences.
“Andhra Pradesh has been successful in rolling out online services. However, the ground-level implementation in our state remains ineffective. Technical issues frequently disrupt various transactions, including driving licence renewal, learner’s permit processing, and NOC issuance. Despite these services being available online, applicants still need to visit RTA offices physically. The situation becomes particularly frustrating when individuals seeking interstate permits must wait for months, only to eventually visit RTO offices to finish their transactions,” said M Dayanand, general secretary, Telangana Auto and Motor Welfare Union.
