Sikkim, West Bengal sign reciprocal transport agreement; taxi permit quota doubled

GANGTOK, : The governments of Sikkim and West Bengal on Friday signed a Reciprocal Transport Agreement aimed at easing cross-border movement of passenger and transport vehicles and providing relief to taxi operators.

The agreement was signed at Paribahan Bhavan in Kolkata by West Bengal Transport principal secretary Ravinder Singh, Sikkim Transport secretary Manish Pradhan and State Transport Authority ATC-cum-secretary Roshan Pradhan in the presence of West Bengal Transport minister Arjun Singh.

Chief Minister said the agreement doubles the countersignature permit quota for Sikkim taxis from 3,000 to 6,000.

“This landmark agreement marks a major step forward for our Sarathis (Chalak). It doubles the countersignature permit quota for Sikkim taxis from 3,000 to 6,000 and allows taxi vehicles operating under special permits to pick up passengers on their return journey from Siliguri and other areas,” the Chief Minister wrote on Facebook.

In another major provision, the pact also removes the requirement of countersignature permits for Sikkim-based transport vehicles plying between Rangpo and Melli.

Describing the agreement as a landmark achievement, the Chief Minister said it would provide significant relief to Sikkim’s taxi drivers, enhance regional connectivity and “further strengthen the enduring bond of friendship and cooperation” between Sikkim and West Bengal.

He expressed gratitude to the West Bengal government including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and Transport minister Arjun Singh, for extending prompt support and cooperation in finalising the long-awaited agreement.