Ranchi: Here's some good news to rev up the travel and tourism sector.

The state transport department has decided to formally issue all-India permits to tour operators who until now could organise travel and sightseeing only within the state.

Transport commissioner Faiz Aq Ahmed Mumtaz said the all-India tourist permit rule was never implemented in the state in the right earnest. "There was lack of clarity and confusion among tour operators. Now, we are streamlining things," he said over phone on Friday.

The department announced its intentions on its website as well as sent communiqués to all regional and district transport offices for greater publicity.

The permit is primarily for cabs. They will get an authorisation certificate recognising them as "legal tourist transport vehicle (operator)" anywhere within the country. Cabs won't need multiple permits for interstate travel.

The all-India permit must be renewed every five years. The application form can be bought for Rs 300, the authorisation fee is Rs 500 and the permit comes for Rs 15,000.

Asked how it would help the state and its people, Mumtaz said Jharkhand could expect to increase its tourism revenue. "Proper permits will also make travel safer for people. We shall maintain a database and have a mechanism to track legal vehicles," he explained.

All a tour operator needs to do is apply at the district transport office. "Along with the application form, one must submit a photograph of the vehicle, relevant vehicle documents (pollution clearance, insurance certificate, etc) and the requisite fee," the state transport commissioner said, adding that a notarised affidavit would also be needed stating that the information provided was correct.

Tour operators welcomed the move, saying it would boost their businesses.

"Four years ago, I had wanted an all-India permit, but there was no one in the transport department to guide me on how to go about it. So, I junked the idea," said Rohit Poddar of Poddar Associates that runs a car rental service.

"Many tourists who wish to undertake long road travels ask for national permits before booking. Since we didn't have one in the past, we lost out on good deals. Hopefully, business will be better for us now," Poddar added.