Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to promote environment-friendly transportation, the Odisha government has decided to waive permit fees for battery-operated (electric), methanol- and ethanol-fuelled transport vehicles operating in the state.

As per a notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, eligible vehicles will be issued the required permits by the Transport authorities without any permit fee.

However, goods transport vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 3,000 kg will be excluded from the permit fee waiver.

The notification further stated although eligible vehicles will be exempted from permit fees, obtaining a permit will remain mandatory under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and applicable rules.

Vehicle owners will also be required to comply with all other existing regulations, including valid vehicle registration, insurance, fitness certificates, pollution under control (PUC) certificates and payment of applicable government taxes and other dues.

With this move, greater adoption of electric and other cleaner-fuel vehicles is expected to increase. The initiative is also aimed at reducing vehicular pollution and promoting a more environment-friendly transport system across the State.