State Government to sign fresh transport pact with Bihar

The state government is all set to get into a fresh Reciprocal Transport Agreement with Bihar government as it is likely to open up more connectivity linkages between the two states.

In 1988 the two states got engaged into a similar agreement which resulted in trade boom.

In the past 28 years, the connectivity has improved and there is a requirement to add more routes for better connectivity between the two states.  

The agreement will be signed between the principal secretaries of the transport department of both the states on Saturday in Nabanna.

It is expected that several connectivity linkages will open up with the signing of the agreement. At the same time it will lead a generation of micro-entrepreneurship in both the states. Moreover, creation of job opportunities for hundreds of people on both the sides will be an added benefit of the agreement, said an official of the state transport department.   

It is learnt that it is essential to review the present situation as the inter-state bus services and time transportation of goods has gone up. Moreover, many other routes have developed which is benefiting both the states, the official said adding, “Thus a fresh Reciprocal Transport Agreement is essential.”

The Motor Vehicles Act a Reciprocal Transport Agreement was made between West Bengal and Bihar in May 1988. Later in 2004 after the formation of Jharkhand, West Bengal government had entered into a separate Reciprocal Transport Agreement with the government of Jharkhand. In 2010, West Bengal and Bihar had agreed to add 24 more routes into the list.