Ludhiana, Dec. 25 -- What was launched with much fanfare as a "faceless, corruption-free" system for Regional Transport Authority (RTA) services in Ludhiana has turned into a daily struggle for residents, who say they have been unable to submit applications, apply for permits or pay fees for nearly two months due to a persistent software glitch. The crisis began soon after the online system was inaugurated on October 29 this year by Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann, accompanied by AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, who symbolically locked the RTA office and announced that all services would henceforth be provided online.

Applicants visiting the office on the inauguration day were told to return home and avail services from the com...