In a significant push for the transport sector in hill states, Himachal Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri has formally requested the Union Government to extend the validity period of taxi permits. The appeal was made during a high-level national meeting in New Delhi on Thursday.
Key Demands for Himachal's Transport Sector
Participating in the 43rd meeting of the Transport Development Council, Agnihotri, who also holds the transport portfolio, presented several critical issues facing his state. The central proposal was to increase the validity of taxi permits from the existing 12 years to a minimum of 15 years, or alternatively, align it with the vehicle's roadworthy lifespan. He argued that the challenging topography and geography of Himachal Pradesh, coupled with limited land, necessitate longer permit periods for vehicle owners to ensure economic viability.
Addressing Hill State Challenges
Beyond the permit issue, the Deputy Chief Minister raised other sector-specific concerns. He urged the segregation of driving training schools and automated testing stations under the Central Government's cluster scheme. Agnihotri emphasised that such a separation is crucial for the people of Himachal to fully avail the benefits of this centrally sponsored initiative, given the state's unique geographical constraints.
Furthermore, he proposed a revision in how the carrying capacity of goods vehicles, especially tippers, is calculated. Agnihotri requested that the capacity be determined based on the actual weight of goods carried, rather than a fixed standard, a move that could significantly impact logistics and trade in the hilly region.
Positive Response from the Centre
The meeting, chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, saw a receptive audience for these concerns. Gadkari acknowledged the issues raised by Agnihotri and other representatives from hilly states. The Union Minister assured that appropriate guidelines would be framed to address these matters. He confirmed that the Centre would carefully consider the specific challenges related to permit validity, vehicle scrapping policies, and infrastructure development in states like Himachal Pradesh.
This dialogue marks an important step in tailoring national transport policies to account for the distinct operational realities and economic needs of India's mountainous regions.
