GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF TOURISM
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.206
ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025
PROBLEMS BEING FACED BY TOURIST VEHICLES FROM KERALA
206. SHRI HIBI EDEN:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether any action has been taken to review the situation
relating to the detention and stoppage of Kerala tourist vehicles
by imposing heavy fines and seizing of permits by...
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF TOURISM LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.206 ANSWERED ON 01.12.2025 PROBLEMS BEING FACED BY TOURIST VEHICLES FROM KERALA
206. SHRI HIBI EDEN:
Will the Minister of TOURISM be pleased to state:
(a) whether any action has been taken to review the situation relating to the detention and stoppage of Kerala tourist vehicles by imposing heavy fines and seizing of permits by the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka;
(b) whether the Government is aware of the suspension of inter- state tourist bus services from Kerala to Tamil Nadu due to a strike called by various Bus Owner Associations in Kerala; and
(c) if so, the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to de-escalate the situation and ensure that such incidents do not happen in the future? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF TOURISM (SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) to (c): Yes, as informed by State Government of Kerala, the vehicles registered in the State of Kerala and operating on the strength of All India Tourist Permits to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were checked by the authorities concerned, who levied the respective state taxes and detained the vehicles until the payment of those taxes. It has been informed by State Government of Tamil Nadu that no heavy fines are imposed. Fines mentioned in Motor Vehicle Tax and Rules are imposed if any irregularities noticed. The Permits of Kerala Vehicles are not seized in Tamil Nadu if the vehicle is plying as per Motor Vehicle Act and Rules.
Further, State Government of Kerala has informed that they have taken up the matter with State Governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, requesting them to strengthen inspections across theirstates to curb illegal practices affecting All India Tourist Permit vehicles, especially with respect to illegal alterations and compliance with bus body code requirements as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS-119). It has also been requested to monitor the misuse of All India Tourist Permit vehicles for illegal inter- state stage carriage operations, such as displaying destination boards, non- remittance of state taxes by such vehicles, and improper and repeated use of temporary or special permits.
It has also been stated by State Government of Tamil Nadu that the Bus Association Members have been instructed to operate and serve the public without violating Motor Vehicles Act and Rules. **********