Gangtok: The State Transport Authority (STA) is hopeful of increasing the annual counter signature permit quota from the existing 3,000 to 5,000, despite discussions between the Governments of Sikkim and West Bengal last year.
Currently, under a reciprocal agreement between the two states, each side is allowed to issue up to 3,000 counter signature permits per year. Of this, 800 permits are allotted to local taxis, 1,200 to J-series vehicles, and 1,000 to Z-series luxury vehicles. However, Z series luxury vehicles count in Sikkim exceeds 4000, the numbers is much higher for local taxis and service taxi J number vehicles.
Transport Department began issuing counter signature permits from 5 January 2026 and that permits will be issued over several days, not just one. However confusion arose on the first day of permit issuance yesterday, many vehicle owners rushed to the STA office on the first day, resulting in overcrowding and chaos.
On the first day alone, around 600 applications were received from local taxis, 500 from J-series vehicles, and 600 from luxury vehicles.
STA Secretary Dukpa Sherpa on Tuedsy said that a proposal to enhance the permit limit was deliberated during an inter-state meeting held last year. He informed that the department is optimistic about receiving approval, which would significantly benefit vehicle owners operating across the Sikkim–West Bengal route.
Sherpa noted that the quota had been increased gradually over the years to reach the present limit. He assured that the approval process has already begun and that permits will be issued shortly. Applications will be forwarded to West Bengal, and vehicle owners will be required to pay the prescribed fee online through the Vahan app, as the entire process is being carried out digitally.
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The STA Secretary also highlighted a proposal related to special permits for local taxis that do not hold counter signature permits. At present, such taxis are allowed to carry passengers from Sikkim to Siliguri but must return empty. A request has been sent to the West Bengal Government to allow passenger services on the return journey as well. If approved, local taxis would be able to operate under a special permit without requiring a counter signature permit.
The STA Secretary urged the public not to panic and requested applicants to cooperate with the department, assuring transparency and smooth processing of permits.
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