The Odisha government has announced a major policy measure to promote electric vehicles (EVs) and encourage the use of alternative fuels such as ethanol and methanol in the state.
According to a notification issued by the Commerce and Transport Department, all eligible battery-operated electric vehicles, as well as methanol- and ethanol-powered transport vehicles operating in Odisha, will be exempted from permit fees.
Under the new provision, eligible vehicle owners will still be required to obtain permits from the concerned transport authorities. However, they will not have to pay any permit fee for obtaining or holding the permit.
Small Goods Vehicles Excluded
The fee exemption will not apply to goods vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of less than 3,000 kg. This means small goods carriers will not be eligible for the permit-fee waiver announced by the government.
The department clarified that obtaining a permit will remain mandatory for the applicable vehicles under the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The new measure only provides relief from the permit fee and does not remove other statutory requirements.
Vehicle owners will continue to comply with all existing regulations, including valid registration, insurance, fitness certificates, Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates and payment of applicable government taxes.
The government’s decision is aimed at encouraging wider adoption of cleaner and alternative-fuel vehicles while reducing the financial burden associated with transport permits.
The move is expected to provide an additional incentive for people and businesses considering electric, ethanol or methanol-powered vehicles in Odisha.