The Union ministry of road transport and highways has extended the validity of all vehicles’ permits till June 30 because of the ongoing lockdown.

An order issued by the director of the MVL section of the ministry on Monday said as many offices of the transport department were closed during the lockdown and several vehicles were carrying essential commodities ranging from food grains to medicines across the country, it had been decided that even if some permits had lapsed after February 1, the same would be treated as valid till June 30.

The order said the validity of fitness certificate, route permit, registration and driving licence which had expired after February 1 would be extended till June 30. The ministry has said states could consider waiver of tax for private passenger vehicles which are off the road currently because of the lockdown under the “no-use clause”.

The relief has been welcomed by transporters. “Ever since the lockdown has been announced, we have been suffering losses. The extension of transport permits is the second relief for us after the Reserve Bank of India announced three-month moratorium on EMIs,” said Jayanta Majumdar, a transporter in Siliguri.

Another haulier in the city said: “I was worried because permits of some of my trucks need to be reviewed. I was in a fix as those trucks are used for carrying essential items. I welcome the extension of the permits.”