Sikkim govt mulls restricting two-wheelers in protected areas
Gangtok, Aug 19
Tourists riding motorcycles could face restrictions while travelling to Sikkim's Restricted Area Permit and Protected Area Permit destinations if the state Cabinet approves a proposal discussed during a stakeholders' consultation, officials said on Wednesday.
A senior official stated that the proposal came up during a meeting on the Integrated Online Permit System convened by the Tourism and Civil Aviation Department and chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. Tourism stakeholders, including tour operators, transport associations and drivers, along with officials from various government departments, participated in the consultation.
Officials clarified that no ban on two-wheelers has been implemented so far. Any restriction would require Cabinet approval and further stakeholder consultations before enforcement.
The proposed measure forms part of a broader revamp of the permit mechanism for RAP and PAP destinations under the Sikkim INSPIRES online permit initiative. The proposed digital system is expected to incorporate features such as geo-fencing, electronic permit verification, and a checkpost-free processing mechanism.
A key provision under consideration is that only vehicles registered in Sikkim would be eligible to operate on RAP and PAP routes. Vehicles registered in other states would not be allowed to tour these designated areas. As a result, tourists arriving in Sikkim on their own motorcycles registered outside the state may not be able to take those vehicles to RAP and PAP destinations, even if a blanket prohibition on two-wheelers is not ultimately approved.
Tourists seeking to explore restricted and protected destinations on motorcycles could instead hire Sikkim-registered two-wheelers and riders through authorised local operators. Officials indicated that Sikkim Bike Rental offices could provide such services using motorcycles registered within the state.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs governs the RAP and PAP arrangements under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. Sikkim falls under this framework, with specified areas classified as Protected or Restricted Areas. The state Tourism and Civil Aviation Department, in coordination with the Home Department, administers the permit mechanism under the central notification.
The proposed digital system is intended to simplify the permit process while ensuring stricter compliance with eligibility criteria for vehicles, operators, and drivers travelling to RAP and PAP destinations. The government is expected to take a final decision after considering stakeholder feedback and obtaining Cabinet approval.
— IANS
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