The territorial administration has opened three new check-posts at various entry points to Puducherry for issuing permits to hired vehicles. These check-points are in addition to the check-post at Gorimedu which caters for traffic along Tindivanam Road.
Except for the check-post at Madagadipet (along Villupuram Main Road), all the three other check-posts are open 24 hours a day. The first of the new check-posts opened in Ganakachettikulam (on ECR near the arrival arch) on October 9, followed by the Mullodai check-post on Cuddalore Road on October 17. The Madagadipet check-post was opened on Friday.
Puducherry receives thousands of visitors every weekend, with many of them coming in taxis and hired vehicles. Earlier, there was only one check-post at Gorimedu and several people would enter through ECR or one of the other entry points just to bypass the permit. Those who were interested in purchasing permit were forced to enter only through Tindivanam. Now, these problems have been ironed out with the new check-posts, Regional Transport Officer S. Satchidanandam said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Commercial vehicles passing through Puducherry can purchase a one-day permit, weekly permit or a monthly permit depending on the frequency of visit.
“If a vehicle is caught without a permit in Puducherry, they are liable to a fine of up to Rs. 5,000. It is better to purchase a permit upon entry,” he said.
Since that weekend, the Transport Department has collected more than Rs. 6 lakh as revenue. So far, the department has collected more than Rs. 20,000 every weekend. While the ECR check-post mainly sees tourist vehicles, the Madagadipet check-post caters more for goods vehicles. Cuddalore road check-post sees a mixture of both.
ADVERTISEMENT