One Nation One Transit Pass System: Transforming Forest Produce Transportation Across India

The virtual inauguration of a groundbreaking initiative, the ‘One Nation One Transit Pass system,’ took place today, as Union Minister for Forest and Environment, Bhupender Yadav, flagged off vehicles from Srinagar to Pune, Maharashtra State, and from Gandhinagar, Gujarat, to West Bengal. Leveraging the National Transit Pass System (NTPS), this ambitious project is poised to revolutionize the transportation of forest produce, promoting a seamless flow within states and across state borders.

This move aligns with the government’s commitment to e-governance initiatives, aiming to enhance Ease of Doing Business, transparency, accountability, and overall efficiency in governmental systems. The ‘One Nation One Transit Pass system’ seeks to facilitate the swift and trouble-free movement of timber and other forest produce, benefitting farmers, timber traders, and the general populace.

Union Minister Yadav expressed optimism about the positive impact of this initiative, emphasizing that it would empower transporters to move their products across India with a single permit. The system eliminates the need for stops at inter-state borders, enabling vehicles to reach their destinations in record time. Yadav underscored the government’s dual commitment to promoting development while safeguarding and conserving the environment for the improved quality of life of citizens.

During the virtual event, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ashwani Kumar Choubey, along with the Director General of Forests & Special Secretary, Government of India, also shared their perspectives on the transformative initiative.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, Additional Chief Secretary for Forest, Ecology, and Environment in the Jammu and Kashmir Government, Dheeraj Gupta, highlighted the people-centric nature of the new system. Gupta emphasized its benefits for timber traders, owners of wood industries, farmers, and the general public. Roshan Jaggi, PCCF & HoFF of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, noted that the region is a pioneer in fully transitioning to the new online system, a testament to the department’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.

Jaggi further informed that the department is undertaking various initiatives to enhance the livelihoods of local communities, including the new NTFP policy, waste-to-wealth activities, and Van se Jal, Jal se Jeevan initiatives. Notably, in the last few months, the department has issued approximately 7000 transport permits and NoCs under the new NTPS system, marking a significant step towards modernizing and streamlining its operations.