On September 30, 2024, the Government of West Bengal announced new guidelines regarding the issuance of transit passes for the intra-state movement of round timber and sawn timber. This initiative aims to streamline the transportation of timber while ensuring compliance with existing regulations.
Key Highlights of the Notification
Dual System for Transit Passes: Both online (via the National Transit Pass System, NTPS) and offline (manual) systems for issuing transit passes will be operational until December 31, 2024.
Inter-State Transport Requirements: For the inter-state transportation of round timber and sawn timber from West Bengal, obtaining a transit pass and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) through the NTPS will remain compulsory.
Special Provisions for Farmers and Small Traders: For farmers and small traders transporting timber using means not classified as “vehicles” under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the West Bengal Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, the offline manual system will be available for issuing transit passes.
Existing Offline System Continuation: The current offline system for issuing transit passes will continue for the movement of:
- Timber of foreign origin
- Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP)
- Boulders, sand, and riverbed materials (RBM)
This will remain in effect until further notice.
