Transport Dept. gives in-principle nod to reduce tax on tourist caravans to one fourth

Tourism Minister urges MVD to ensure that registration of vehicles is free of hassles

The Transport Department has agreed in-principle to slash vehicle tax on tourist caravans to one-fourth, considering the potential of caravan tourism in revving up tourism and employment in Kerala.

Transport Minister Antony Raju agreed in-principle to such a proposal from Tourism Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas at ‘Keravan Kerala’, a joint workshop of Tourism and Transport departments, held at Bolgatty Palace here on Thursday, to deliberate on the operational details of caravan tourism policy and to sensitise Regional Transport Officers (RTOs) on its procedural and regulatory aspects.

The government would approve the proposal shortly after going through the formalities required, said Mr. Raju while inaugurating the workshop. He hailed the policy announced in early September in Kerala as a major step forward in tourism development. “The government will provide green-channel passage for caravans that carry a special sticker, suggesting their joint recognition by the Tourism and Transport departments. Caravans will be given registration within 24 hours of applying. They will also get preference while testing for pollution,” he said.