Karnataka Introduces mVahan Fitness Mobile App for Vehicles

Karnataka’s Transport Department has launched a geo-fencing–based mVahan Fitness Mobile App across all 66 RTOs to prevent irregularities in issuing fitness certificates (FCs) to commercial vehicles operating in the state. The move aims to eliminate long-standing concerns over the issuance of FCs without physical vehicle inspections.

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy highlighted that the system will ensure uniformity and transparency in the vehicle fitness certification process. Over 30 lakh commercial vehicles are registered and operational in Karnataka, and allegations of FCs being issued without proper inspections have frequently surfaced.

Background: Irregularities in Fitness Certificates

On February 28, Bengaluru police filed an FIR against a retired senior motor vehicle inspector who allegedly issued FCs to more than 10,000 out-of-state vehicles without conducting physical inspections.

Between August 1, 2025, and January 31, 2026, the officer issued over 10,210 ‘Form 38A’ FCs through the Vahan software without verifying the vehicles in person, the FIR noted. The case highlighted the need for stricter monitoring and digital solutions.

How the mVahan Fitness App Works

The mVahan Fitness Mobile Application, developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), uses geo-fencing to designate specific vehicle inspection locations for each RTO. Vehicles must physically arrive at these designated locations to undergo inspections under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1939, and relevant rules.

During inspections:

• Six photographs of the vehicle are taken and uploaded to the app.
• FCs are issued only after approval through the app.
• Certificates cannot be issued at locations outside the geo-fenced inspection areas.

Regional Transport Officers have also been instructed to re-inspect at least 20% of vehicles that receive fitness certificates to ensure compliance.

Wider Adoption of the System

According to Minister Reddy, similar geo-fencing-based inspection systems have been successfully implemented in other states. Karnataka now joins them in adopting this technology to improve transparency, prevent malpractices, and maintain uniformity in issuing fitness certificates.

The mVahan Fitness Mobile App represents a significant step toward ensuring accountability and digital oversight in Karnataka’s transport sector. By mandating physical inspections at designated locations, the initiative addresses past irregularities and strengthens the credibility of commercial vehicle fitness certification across the state.