Driving tests in Ludhiana halted due to server glitch

Driving tests in Ludhiana have been halted due to a server problem. The Regional Transport Office (RTO) said the issue is related to the Sarathi portal, which processes driving licenses for the state. Since March 17, no driving tests have taken place in Ludhiana. Officials stated that a central system that assesses driving skills experienced a glitch during a server upgrade. The only test center operating at the moment is in Sector 32, which is under extra pressure as another center has been closed since December due to a lack of staff. Deputy state transport commissioner Manjeet Singh confirmed the server issue is being worked on, but he did not provide a timeline for resolution. The automated system relies on sensors and cameras to assess applicants in real time. Many applicants have faced inconvenience because of the disruption. Jaspreet Kaur, a local resident, described her frustrating experience. She took a day off work but was redirected from one test center to another, only to be told the tests could not proceed. Another applicant, MK Ansari, also expressed concern over lost wages and the need to reschedule his test. The uncertainty is causing stress for those eagerly waiting to get their driving licenses.