In response to recent protests by transport unions, the Himachal Pradesh government has approached the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) to request an extension for manual vehicle fitness testing in Kangra district. The government aims to continue this practice until more Automated Testing Stations (ATS) can be established. Currently, only one ATS facility is operational in the district, located at Ranital. Transport unions have raised concerns over the limited availability of ATS facilities, prompting the state government to advocate for a deferment of the MoRTH's directive, which mandates the complete discontinuation of manual inspections by April 1, 2026. This directive aims to enhance road safety and reduce pollution by ensuring that vehicle fitness testing is conducted solely through registered ATS. The state government is in the process of establishing additional ATS facilities through private investments across various locations, including Mandi, Bilaspur, Solan, and Nalagarh, as well as in government sectors at Haroli, Nadaun, and Baddi.