Private stage carriage bus operation under All India Permit illegal: Kerala transport minister

Kochi: The Motor Vehicle Department has decided to take action against contract carriage buses having an All India Tourist Permit (AITP) conducting inter-state stop carriage services in Kerala. The decision was taken at a meeting held on Tuesday chaired by transport minister Antony Raju.

The private bus operators have taken advantage of the central motor vehicles department’s move that eased down the All India Permit or National Permit (NP) norms. The union government amended the law in a manner that gave permission to private buses with NP to service any route without specific route permits. Also, the Supreme Court restricted states from levying additional taxes on vehicles having All India Permits used for inter-state journeys. 

However, the state government argues that the private bus owners are misinterpreting the order as it is applicable only to contract carriages. Kerala argues that it is a violation of the Motor Vehicles Act.

"We had identified buses registered in other states for lower fees by providing false address details but operating in Kerala. We have collected details about 52 vehicles operating similarly. Owners have been given two weeks to change their vehicle registration to Kerala to continue operating in the state. Will seize those vehicles failing to comply with the order," the minister said. He added that the Centre's notification of the All India Permit is against the Motor Vehicle Department Act. 

Raju pointed out that contract carrier services are causing revenue loss for KSRTC and private buses in Kerala.

A meeting of Road Transport Officers (RTOs) and District Transport Officials will be held on September 12 in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the matter.