Himachal Pradesh : Dy CM Mukesh Agnihotri seeks 15-year validity for taxi permits

Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Thursday urged the Centre to increase the validity of taxi permits to at least 15 years, or till the vehicle remains roadworthy, instead of the existing 12-year limit.

Agnihotri, who also holds the Transport portfolio, raised the demand while attending a national-level meeting of Transport Ministers and the 43rd meeting of the Transport Development Council in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari.

Highlighting the unique challenges faced by hill states, Agnihotri said Himachal Pradesh’s difficult terrain, geographical constraints and limited availability of land require policy relaxations tailored to local conditions. Gadkari assured that the Government of India would carefully consider the issues raised by hilly states, including Himachal Pradesh.

The Deputy CM also sought the segregation of Driving Training Schools and Automated Testing Stations under the Centre’s cluster scheme, stating that such a move would help the people of Himachal Pradesh derive maximum benefit from the centrally sponsored initiative.

In addition, Agnihotri stressed that the carrying capacity of goods vehicles, especially tippers, should be fixed based on the actual goods being transported, keeping in view road safety and terrain-specific requirements.

Read Also : Himachal Pradesh : ‘Senior Residency Policy’ for medical colleges on the anvil