Himachal Seeks Relief for Scrapping Policy, Urges Fair Play for State Transport..
SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Deputy CM Mukesh Agnihotri, also the Transport Minister, raised crucial transport sector concerns at the National Transport Ministers' meeting in New Delhi on January 7, chaired by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Sh. Agnihotri flagged the financial strain caused by the Vehicle Scrapping Policy. He revealed that Himachal needs to scrap over 7,000 government vehicles, impacting key departments.
He demanded that scrapping incentives be offered as grants, not loans, to reduce the burden on the hilly state. He also sought an extension of the Special Central Assistance (SCA) deadline to March 31, 2025.
The Deputy CM highlighted unfair competition posed by All India Tourist Permit (AITP) buses in Himachal.
These buses, meant for contracts, are operating as stage carriage services, affecting State Transport Undertakings (STUs).
He urged the Centre to regulate AITP operations and address the misuse of bus stand spaces. Gadkari assured a detailed review of these issues by the concerned committee.
Another major appeal was for GST reforms in the ambitious Rs. 1734.70 crore Urban Ropeway Network Project, India’s largest and the world’s second-largest after Bolivia.
While GST on ropeways is now 5%, the lack of Input Tax Credit (ITC) increases capital costs. Agnihotri called for ITC inclusion to ease financial pressures. Gadkari acknowledged the concern and urged Agnihotri to discuss it further.
The Deputy CM also pushed for the development of electric infrastructure on routes like Chandigarh-Delhi to aid the transition to cleaner mobility.
Gadkari assured that the Centre would prioritize Himachal’s transport challenges, emphasizing sustainable and fair solutions. Agnihotri’s proactive stance underscored Himachal's determination to modernize its transport system.
