Source : PTI | Himachal Pradesh government was taking necessary steps to implement the provision extending the maximum operational life of All India Tourist Permit (AITP) vehicles from 12 years to 15 years, said Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri on Tuesday.
The deputy CM, who also holds the portfolio of Transport Department, said that with this, the long-pending demand of AITP taxi operators in Himachal Pradesh has been fulfilled, a statement issued here said.
He said the Transport Department has issued the necessary orders and notified the standard operating procedure (SOP), enabling eligible AITP vehicles to avail the benefit under the revised provisions.
Agnihotri said that the decision would provide major relief to thousands of taxi operators associated with the tourism and transport sectors across the State.
The demand had been consistently raised by vehicle operators for a long time, and its implementation would significantly reduce the financial burden on operators, he maintained.
Agnihotri said he had taken up the issue with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, highlighting the concerns of All India Tourist Permit taxi operators in Himachal Pradesh.
Following the amendment of the relevant rules by the central government, the state government acted to ensure their implementation by issuing all necessary orders, the deputy chief minister said.
