Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, February 25
The Himachal Pradesh has begun rolling out a fully automated approval system across its transport department, with most public services now delivered digitally, officials say.
Addressing a press conference in Shimla, Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said the move towards automation had helped improve transparency and efficiency, while boosting revenue.
According to Agnihotri, the department has recorded revenue of more than ₹1,000 crore this financial year — the highest so far. He added that the Government of India had awarded the state ₹93 crore as an incentive for meeting performance benchmarks.
Goods, tourist and national permits are now processed through an automatic system, benefiting 6,543 applicants so far, the Deputy Chief Minister said.
A digital vehicle fitness system has also been introduced. Automatic Testing Stations (ATS) are being set up to reduce direct human intervention and enhance transparency. In addition, automatic driving test tracks are under construction, with six already operational. The department has also scrapped 2,257 vehicles under its environmentally friendly vehicle scrappage policy. Vehicles over 50 years old will now be classified as vintage and issued special “VA” (Vintage Agnihotri) number plates.
Agnihotri said there had been strong public demand for “fancy” vehicle registration numbers, generating significant income for the department. Auctions of premium numbers have brought in ₹81 crore. The sale of 44 numbers in a single-digit series earned ₹4.5 crore, with the registration number HP-97-0001 fetching ₹20 lakh — the highest bid so far.
The Deputy Chief Minister also said taxi operators in the state had received relief from the central government, with vehicle permit validity extended from 12 to 15 years after the issue was raised by the state. He added that truck operators had made similar demands, which would be taken up with the centre.
On water transport, Agnihotri said the state had signed a memorandum of understanding worth ₹68 crore after discussions with a union minister.
He maintained that the reforms were aimed at reducing discretion, increasing transparency and strengthening the department’s public image.
