Sikkim and West Bengal Sign Reciprocal Transport Agreement, Bringing Major Relief to Sikkim’s Sarathis

KalimNews, July 11, 2026, Kalimpong: In a landmark step towards strengthening interstate transport connectivity and improving the livelihoods of transport operators, the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal signed a Reciprocal Transport Agreement at Paribahan Bhavan, Kolkata, on Friday.

The agreement was formally signed by Shri Ravinder Singh, IAS, Principal Secretary, Transport Department, Government of West Bengal, Shri Manish Pradhan, Secretary, Transport Department, Government of Sikkim, and Shri Roshan Pradhan, ATC-cum-Secretary, State Transport Authority, Government of Sikkim, in the presence of Shri Arjun Singh, Minister-in-Charge of the Transport Department, Government of West Bengal.

The agreement is the outcome of discussions between the two State Governments aimed at enhancing transport cooperation and facilitating smoother interstate movement. It introduces several important reforms that are expected to benefit Sikkim’s transport sector, particularly taxi operators and Sarathis.

One of the key provisions of the agreement is the doubling of the quota for countersignature permits for Sikkim-registered taxi vehicles, increasing the limit from 3,000 to 6,000 permits. Another significant reform allows taxi vehicles operating under Special Permits to pick up passengers on their return journeys from Siliguri and other parts of West Bengal, a move expected to reduce empty return trips and improve the earning potential of drivers.

The agreement also introduces a dedicated transport corridor between Rangpo and Melli, under which Sikkim-based transport vehicles will no longer require countersignature permits to operate along this route. This measure is expected to ease movement, reduce procedural delays, and improve the efficiency of transport services between the two neighbouring States.

Welcoming the development, Chief Minister Shri Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) described the signing of the agreement as a historic milestone for Sikkim’s transport fraternity. He said the initiative would provide substantial relief to thousands of Sarathis while enhancing interstate connectivity and promoting economic opportunities for transport operators.

The Chief Minister also expressed his gratitude to the Government of West Bengal for its cooperation and prompt support in finalising the agreement. He thanked the West Bengal Government, including the Minister-in-Charge of the Transport Department, for facilitating the process within a short period.

According to the Chief Minister, the agreement not only strengthens transport infrastructure and connectivity between the two neighbouring States but also reinforces the longstanding relationship of friendship, cooperation, and mutual development shared by Sikkim and West Bengal.