The minister said that a State Transport Development Council, on the pattern of the National Transport Development Council, would be set up for improving the services. The Transport Minister would head the council. Though the council would be advisory in nature, its decisions and suggestions would be duly taken note of by the government, the Minister added.

To encourage passenger transportation, tax-free routes would be identified and notified from time to time. This facility would initially be for five years and later reviewed for further extension. Tax-free routes would be identified on non-metalled roads, no existing bus service available roads and single bus service available roads.

Under the new policy, 15-seater Mudrika services would be introduced in the public and private service sectors, within the limits of the municipal committee and notified area committees, the Minister informed the House.

To extend quick and luxurious transport facility to the elite, luxury coaches will be introduced and will connect the state capital with the district headquarters.

Private operators would also be allowed to ply luxury coaches for which, the fare, time and schedule, would be fixed by a competent authority. Apart from districts headquarters, important places and towns within the state would also be connected by luxury coaches. Besides establishing a driving schools to impart training for driving all types of motor vehicles, the policy suggests a re-entry system in the driving licences of those found driving under the influence of liquor, drugs or any other intoxicants. After two such entries, the driving licence would be cancelled for a minimum of three years.

In the light of the new policy, the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) buses would plied, exclusively, on inter-state routes. Transporters, other than the HRTC, would be considered for route permits on the basis of merit. The transporters plying their buses on inter-state routes would be allowed to do so.

The policy also makes way for providing maxi cab permits. These permits would be given to persons belonging to the region in which the cab is to be operated. Maxi cab operators would not be allowed to pick up passengers enroute. Any violation of instructions would invite fine ranging from Rs 500 for the first violation, to Rs 1000, Rs 2000, Rs 2000 for the second, third and fourth offences, respectively. After the fifth instance of such a lapse, the permit would be cancelled by the competent authority (not less than the rank of the RTO). The new policy places no restriction on the issue of permits for motor cabs.

In giving the permits, priority would be given to unemployed youth, cooperative societies of the area, ex-servicemen, physically handicapped, SC, ST, IRDP, sportspersons of National repute and the other backward classes.