Panaji, Jan 2 (TOI): The state transport department has started issuing special permits to passenger motor vehicles and temporary permits to goods vehicles at border checkposts in a bid to provide better service to the public from January 1, 2019.

Passenger vehicles such as motor cab, maxi cab and buses and goods vehicles having registered laden weight (RLW) of more than 3,000kg at the RTO border checkposts situated at Dhargalim (Pernem), Dodamarg(Bicholim), Keri (Sattari), Molem (Sanguem) and Polem (Canacona) will be issued permits.

Prior to this, the owner of the vehicle had to approach the directorate of transport in Panaji to obtain a special permit for passenger vehicles and had to approach the regional transport authority (RTA) to obtain a temporary permit for goods vehicle intending to travel outside Goa.

The permits were issued only during office working hours. Due to this handicap, those desiring to travel in an emergency or on days of public holiday or on Saturday/Sunday could not avail this facility.

Now onwards, this permit will be issued 24x7 throughout the year for the convenience of the public. Details about the same have been uploaded on the transport department’s website www.goatransport.gov.in.