Inadequate planning by Delhi govt led to blockade of Rs 1.47

"Inadequate" planning for e-challaning project on part of Delhi Government's department of transport (DoT) resulted in blockade of funds worth Rs 1.47 crore, Government auditor CAG observed in its report.
According to CAG, audit scrutiny of department records showed that DoT associated Delhi Integrated Multi-Modal Transit System Limited (DIMTS) in the implementation of the project, though no formal agreement was signed between the two parties in 2010.
On the advice of DIMTS, which was endorsed by enforcement wing, the DoT purchased 40 tough books, as many printers, 80 smart card readers, 40 UPSs, 40 data cards and two plasma screens (63 inch each) at a cost of Rs 1.47 crore during July and October 2010.

Simultaneously, software for the system was developed by DIMTS. However, contract for development of software and maintenance of the system, could not be finalised with DIMTS due to higher prices quoted by them, CAG said.
On the request of DoT later, CAG added, National Informatics Centre (NIC) developed the software in October 2013.
Application of the system was launched in July 2014 on two vehicles, while the system was still under trial phase as of September 2014.

"Inadequate planning for the project of e-challaning in the enforcement branch of department of transport (DoT) resulted in blockade of funds to the tune of Rs 1.47 crore in purchase of equipment, which were lying idle for more than three years.

"The matter was referred to the Government in December 2014, their reply was awaited (as on April 2015)," CAG observed.
In view of the ever increasing vehicle population in Delhi, the DoT had in consultation with DIMTS decided to equip enforcement vehicles for providing facilities like online challaning, connectivity with headquarters' server, printing of challans, electronic card readers, camera etc.
Accordingly, it was decided to procure 40 sets of equipment for e-enforcement (e-challaning of defaulting vehicles/drivers) for 40 mobile vehicles.