Uttarakhand Government Gives Relief to Owners of Commercial Vehicles Over 15 Years; Fitness Fee Hike Deferred for One Year

Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government has announced relief for owners of older commercial vehicles, deferring the recent increase in vehicle fitness test fees for one year. The decision comes as a respite for thousands of transport operators and commercial vehicle owners across the state.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the move aims to ease the economic burden on vehicle owners. “The state government does not want to impose immediate financial pressure on the people,” he said, adding that the fee hike will now remain unchanged until 21 November 2026.

The Central Government had recently approved a 10-fold increase in fitness test fees for commercial vehicles over 15 years old. Considering public sentiment, the Uttarakhand government has decided not to implement this hike immediately in the state. The Transport Department Secretary, Brijesh Kumar Sant, issued a notification formalizing the decision.

Chief Minister Dhami emphasized that the government prioritizes public welfare and always aims to take swift, citizen-friendly decisions. “Our commitment is to provide relief and safeguard the interests of the people, particularly those engaged in the transport sector, including taxi operators and small vehicle owners,” he said.

During this one-year deferment period, existing fitness test fees will continue to apply, ensuring that vehicle owners do not face sudden financial strain. Future revisions, if any, will be implemented in accordance with the Central Government’s guidelines.

Dhami reaffirmed the state government’s sensitivity to public needs, saying: “Protecting the interests of the economically weaker sections, middle-class families, and transport businesses is our top priority. We will ensure that any decision in public interest is implemented without delay.”