**New Policy for Data Sharing from National Transport Repository Launched**
The central government has introduced a new policy aimed at facilitating data sharing from the National Transport Repository (NTR), a comprehensive database that consolidates vehicle registration, driving license, challan, and accident records. Earlier this month, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) distributed the “Policy for Data Sharing from the National Transport Repository” to all states and Union Territories.
The NTR aggregates data from various platforms, including Vahan (vehicle registration), Sarathi (driving licenses), e-Challan, eDAR (electronic accident reports), and the National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC) FASTag. Collectively, these systems encompass over 390 million vehicle records and 220 million driving licenses, establishing the NTR as one of the largest government databases in India.
**Privacy Safeguards and Legal Framework**
The new policy emphasizes “controlled sharing” of sensitive personal data, in accordance with the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, and the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The ministry’s circular, dated August 18, outlines clear guidelines that align with recent legal requirements regarding consent for data sharing. The policy ensures that stakeholders, including law enforcement agencies, state governments, research institutions, citizens, and private service providers, receive only the data pertinent to their roles. Consent will be mandatory where applicable, and all transactions will adhere to strict privacy and security measures.
**Access Framework for Stakeholders**
Under the exemptions provided in the DPDP Act, police and enforcement agencies will have full, unmasked access to the database. State and Union Territory governments will act as co-holders of the data, with read-only access to their respective records; however, any nationwide data sharing will require clearance from MoRTH. Government agencies will have complete access, with API-based integration being the preferred method. Research and academic institutions will receive anonymized datasets through dashboards or the government’s open data platform. Citizens will have limited access for verification through applications like mParivahan and DigiLocker, restricted to three logins per day. Transport service providers, including insurers, banks, smart card vendors, and registration plate manufacturers, will be granted role-specific access, contingent on agreements and security compliance.
**Data Categories for Sharing**
The datasets designated for sharing are categorized based on their source systems. Vahan will provide vehicle registration details, ownership, insurance, hypothecation, and challan links. Sarathi will cover driving license particulars, validity norms, international permits, and offense records. The e-Challan database will offer information on traffic violations, along with associated vehicle and driver details, and court references. eDAR will supply structured accident reports, detailing information on drivers, passengers, and pedestrians involved. NETC-FASTag records will also be included in the data sharing framework.
In conclusion, this new policy marks a significant step towards enhancing data accessibility while ensuring privacy and security, paving the way for improved transport management and enforcement in India.
**FAQ**
**What is the National Transport Repository (NTR)?**
The National Transport Repository (NTR) is a vast database that integrates various transport-related records, including vehicle registrations, driving licenses, challans, and accident reports, aimed at improving data accessibility and management in the transport sector.
