In a major breakthrough aimed at steering governance toward greater transparency and speed, Punjab Finance and Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema announced on Thursday that All India Tourist Permits (AITP) will now be issued directly online to applicants through the official portal of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (Parivahan).
Revealing this in a press communique, Transport Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, "Earlier, tourist vehicle operators were required to collect physical, printed permits directly from the office of the State Transport Authority (STA), Mohali (PB01). With the launch of this digital facility, applicants can obtain the necessary documentation seamlessly from the comfort of their homes or workplaces, completely eliminating the need to visit government offices in person."
Emphasising the state government’s commitment to citizen-centric governance, he asserted, "The Bhagwant Mann government is leaving no stone unturned to make public services smooth, transparent, and completely hassle-free. By shifting the issuance of All India Tourist Permits entirely online, we have cut through bureaucratic red tape and bridged the gap between the government and citizens. Applicants will no longer have to run from pillar to post or wait in long queues at the Mohali office. Everything is now available at their fingertips."
The Transport Minister further added that the initiative marks a significant step forward in digital delivery of transport services, saving valuable time and curbing unnecessary administrative delays. He said, "Time is of the essence for our transport operators. This digital reform not only delivers services in the blink of an eye but also sets a new benchmark for efficiency and accountability. By simplifying the end-to-end documentation process, we are paving the way for true ease of doing business across the state’s transport sector."
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said that the vehicle owners and commercial operators can access, apply for, and download their approved AITP documents directly via the national transport portal, ensuring round-the-clock convenience and uninterrupted business operations.