BREAKING NEWS : BENGAL’S COMMERCIAL VEHICLE NEW LUGGAGE CARRIER GUIDELINES TO FURTHER BOOST OPPORTUNITIES IN TOURISM, IATO WEST BENGAL WELCOMES THE MOVE

BY DEBAJYOTI CHAKRABORTY

KOLKATA, 7 FEBRUARY 2024 :

The West Bengal Transport Department has issued a notification  which provides specific guidelines for fitting luggage carriers on commercial vehicles, which is all set to boost the tourism sector in the state.

The West Bengal Unit of Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO) has welcomed this move by the state transport department.

Talking to The Travel and Tourism Times, Mr. Debjit Dutta, Chairman of IATO ( West Bengal) said that his association  has actively advocated  both with the State Tourism  and  Transport Department for the fitment of luggage carriers to boost tourism activities, a matter discussed extensively in meetings over the past 5 years involving representatives from Transport, Tourism, Kolkata Police, and IATO.

“Finally, a notification (No: 5861-WT/TPT-18011/166/2023 – Dated 05/02/2024) has been issued by the West Bengal Transport Department, providing specific guidelines for fitting luggage carriers on commercial vehicles. This development is expected to facilitate Tour Operators & Tourist Transport Operators in increasing the carrying capacity of tourist vehicles, addressing previous inconveniences, particularly in Kolkata. Special thanks are due to Dr. Soumitra Mohan, Secretary of the Transport Department, for his pivotal role in making this initiative a reality,” explains an ecstatic Mr. Debjit Dutta.

“Whereas this Department has received several representations from various stakeholders including various Tourism Service Providers, Tour Operators, Tourist Vehicle Operators and public in general for better facilitation of different tourism- related services in different parts of the State as are required for the movement of tourists by surface transport; and Whereas a request has been received from the tourism service providers for allowing fitment of a luggage carrier in order to further spur the tourism activities in the State; and Whereas Section 52 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 allows alteration of a motor vehicle and in terms of this section, alteration meaning change in basic structure of a vehicle; and Whereas Rule 11.2(1) of CMV Rule, 1989 states that the body construction of any alteration or retro-fitment to a motor vehicle under sub-Section (1) of Section 52 of the MV Act including but not limited to change in fuel, conversion of propulsion system, replacement of engine, replacement of Chassis or modification in body structure shall be in compliance with the condition, standards and specification notified by the Central Government, and shall be carried out by either,

1. original equipment manufacturer; or
2. dealer of the vehicle manufacturer, or
3. workshop authorized by the State Government.; or
4. Service Station authorized by the State Government: and

Whereas Rule 242 of WBMV Rule, 1989 states that the body construction of a public service vehicle shall be soundly constructed to the satisfaction of the Registering Authority and to be securely fastened to the frame of the vehicle; and

Whereas Rule 292(4) of WBMV Rules, 1989 empowers the State Government to exempt any vehicle or any type of vehicle from the provision of Sub-Section (1), (2, (3) of Rule 292 of WBMV Rules, 1989.

Now, therefore, in-terms of the power conferred under Section(s) 52,

74(2)(iii), 74(2)(iv), 74(2)(vii), 96(2)(xvi), 96(2)(xiv) of MV Act, 1988 read with Rule

112 of CMVR, 1989 and Rule 292(4) of WBMV Rules, 1989, carrying personal belongings of passengers on the rooftop is allowed in respect of a Contract Carriage 4- wheeled vehicle used for carrying passengers for tourism purposes, subject to the following conditions:-

• The dimension pertaining to the weight of the overhead carrier, change in vertical height of the vehicle etc. should be in conformity with the extant provisions as laid down in M.V. Act, 1988 and Rules thereof, without any lateral extension of luggage load on any side of the vehicle.
• The maximum height with luggage should not be increased more than 4% of the vertical height of the vehicle mentioned in the type approval certificate issued in-terms of Rule 126 of CMVR.
• At any point of time, the total weight of passengers, driver and c luggage should not exceed the Registered Laden Weight (RLW) of the vehicle as mentioned in the Certificate of Registration.
• Such fitment will only be allowed if the alteration is made by original equipment manufacturer/dealer of the vehicle manufacturer/workshop authorized by

State or Central Government, as specified under Rule 112(1), CMVR.

• For such alteration, the vehicle owner should take prior permission from the e Registering Authority in advance (with concurrence of the financier if the vehicle is under HPA in terms of Section 51(10)(D) of MV Act).
• Before granting such permission, the Registering Authority should check the authenticity of the workshop in-terms of Rule 112 of CMVR, 1989 and after fitment of the accessories, the Registering Authority should cause an enquiry that the accessory fitted during alteration is duly approved in-terms of Rule 126 of CMVR 1989.
• Fitment of Audio-Video accessories/devices will be in terms of Rule 218(7) and 218(8) of WBMV Rules, 1989 and fees thereof will be charged according to fees specified in Schedule-F of WBMV Rules, 1989,” The notification issued by Dr. Saumitra Mohan, state transport secretary said.