Bhubaneswar: In a major step towards promoting cleaner mobility, the Odisha government has exempted battery-powered electric, methanol-fuelled and ethanol-fuelled transport vehicles operating in the state from permit fees.
According to a notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, the move aims to encourage the use of environment-friendly vehicles and support the transition towards a cleaner transport system in Odisha.
Under the new provision, eligible vehicles will be issued the required permits by transport authorities without any permit fee. However, goods transport vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) below 3,000 kg will not be covered under the exemption.
Although the permit fee has been waived, obtaining a permit will remain mandatory under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 wherever applicable.
Vehicle owners will also have to comply with all existing requirements, including valid registration, insurance, fitness certification, pollution control certification and payment of other applicable government taxes.
The decision is expected to provide an additional incentive for the adoption of alternative-fuel and electric transport vehicles across Odisha.
