West Bengal transport department streamlines permit process to improve public transport efficiency
According to the notification, the State Transport Authority (STA) will now have the power to issue stage carriage (bus) permits for routes covering three or more districts. This decision follows a resolution adopted at the STA Board Meeting held on April 28, 2023.
Previously, under Rule 87 of the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Rules (WBMVR), 1989, Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) were authorised to issue permits for routes spanning up to two regions.
A 2013 govt order (No. 765-WT) provisionally extended this authority to three districts, but implementation was hindered by administrative complexities and delays—particularly the difficulty of convening mandatory joint RTA conferences chaired by District Magistrates.
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Transport operators reportedly faced significant hurdles in securing permits within reasonable timeframes, affecting the availability and expansion of bus services.
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The latest directive seeks to address this by allowing applicants to approach either the concerned RTA or the STA, depending on the nature and alignment of the proposed route.
Transport secretary Saumitra Mohan, who signed the notification, stated that the move is aimed at ensuring a steady addition of operable buses and minimising service disruptions for daily commuters. The order has also been sent for publication in the Official Gazette.
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