Don’t insist on Separate Passes for Movement at Inter-State Borders across the country: MHA
New Delhi, April 30, 2020: It has been reported that at inter-State borders in different parts of the country, movement of trucks is not allowed freely and local authorities insist upon separate passes. Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has re-iterated to all States/UTs that, as per the consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures, no separate passes are required for through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks etc.
In the communication, it has been stressed that this free movement is essential for maintaining the supply chain of goods and services across the country during the lockdown period. MHA, on 15.04.2020, had issued the consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures to fight COVID-19. (https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/MHA%20order%20dt%2015.04.2020%2C%20with%20Revised%20Consolidated%20Guidelines_compressed%20%283%29.pdf). These consolidated guidelines clearly mention that all goods traffic through trucks/goods carriers would be allowed to ply freely.
In order to ensure compliance to these guidelines, MHA has asked all States and UTs to ensure that district authorities and field agencies are sensitized about the above instructions, so that there is no ambiguity at the ground level, and movement of through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks, is allowed without any hindrance.
Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Order of even number dated 15 April 2020 vide which consolidated revised guidelines on lockdown measures were issued. Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla in his letter to states stated, “I would like to draw your kind attention to Clause 12 (i & ti) in regard to movement of goods/ cargo. which clearly mentions that: Clause 12 (i) “All goods traffic will be allowed to ply.”
Clause 12 (vi) “Movement of all trucks and other goods/carrier vehicles with two drivers and one helper subject to the driver carrying a valid driving licence, an empty truck/vehicle will be allowed to ply afier the delivery of goods, or for pick up of goods.”
However, it has been reported that at inter-State borders in different parts of the country, movement of trucks is not allowed freely and local authorities insist upon separate passes. While this matter has been clarified earlier vide my D.O. letters of even number dated 03.04.2020 and 12.04.2020. it is now re-iterated, as per the guidelines referred to above. that no separate passes are required for through traffic of trucks and goods carriers. including empty trucks etc. This is essential for maintaining the supply chain of goods and services across the country during the lockdown period.
Accordingly. all States and UTs shall ensure that district authorities and field agencies are informed of the above instructions, so that there is no ambiguity at the ground level, and movement of through traffic of trucks and goods carriers, including empty trucks is allowed without any hindrance.
