Sikkim to establish Reciprocal Transport Agreement with West Bengal, says Golay

PRAKASH ADHIKARI, SUJAL PRADHAN, EOI, GANGTOK, AUGUST 2, 2024 :  The Sikkim Government is in the process of establishing a new Reciprocal Transport Agreement with the West Bengal Government, Chief Minister of Sikkim Prem Singh Tamang announced on Friday. This would increase the quota of taxi vehicles from Sikkim, benefitting transport operators of the state.

At a function to celebrate the Sarathi Samman Diwas in Gangtok, the Chief Minister also announced in the welfare of ‘Chalak Gurujis’ that the fine for operating without a Pollution Under Control certificate would now be reduced to Rs 500. The amount of fine had previously been set at Rs 10,000. However, if the certificate was not produced within 15 days, the fine would revert to Rs 10,000. The Sarathi Welfare Board will soon facilitate the issuance of insurance policies for all drivers. Drivers are required to submit the necessary documents to the Board to benefit from this policy.

“We encourage all drivers and members of the public to download the Sikkim Cab App,” the Chief Minister said. “This new platform will revolutionize taxi booking through an online system and enhance earning opportunities for taxi drivers.” The Chief Minister also announced that Sikkim Voter Card holders will be permitted to drive luxury vehicles.

“This day is a tribute to our drivers who play a crucial role in our society. They are contributing to the growth of our district, state, and country,” the Chief Minister said. “They also bring tourism to the state.” Since the coming into power of the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government, the counters had been restored to the Drivers’ Association. The former government had transferred these to a cooperative society.