Dehradun: In a move aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving passenger safety, the Transport Department has introduced stricter regulations for the opening and operation of travel agencies.

Under the new guidelines, applicants seeking to open a travel agency will be required to obtain No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the Police, Municipal Corporation, and Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) before a license can be issued.

The regulations will also apply to existing travel agencies. Operators currently in business will have six months to submit the required NOCs. Failure to comply within the stipulated period could result in the cancellation of their licenses, according to the transport authorities.

The proposal was approved at a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on August 9. Going forward, licenses for new travel agencies will be issued only after applicants meet the prescribed RTA standards and submit all required documents at the time of application.

Over 90 Travel Agencies Under New Compliance Rules

At present, more than 90 travel agencies are operating across Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh. The RTO administration has directed these agencies to comply with the new terms and conditions within six months.

Officials have warned that strict action will be taken against operators who fail to meet the requirements within the deadline.

What the NOC Requirements Say

The new guidelines specify the purpose and conditions for each of the three mandatory NOCs.

• Police NOC: The certificate must confirm that the operation of the travel agency will not disrupt traffic and will help ensure smooth movement of vehicles.
• Municipal Corporation NOC: The agency must be cleared on the condition that its operations will not create inconvenience or disturbance in residential areas.
• MDDA NOC: The development authority must also certify that the proposed agency will not cause inconvenience or create problems in residential localities.

Once the applicant submits NOCs from all three departments, the Transport Department will conduct an on-site inspection of the proposed agency premises.

Licenses Subject to RTA Standards

Under the revised system, meeting the NOC requirements will be an essential part of the licensing process. New travel agencies will not receive licenses unless they fulfill the prescribed RTA standards and submit all necessary documents.

Existing agencies have also been brought under the compliance framework and must obtain and submit the required NOCs within six months. Failure to meet the requirements could lead to cancellation of their operating licenses.

The move is aimed at ensuring that travel agencies operate from suitable locations without adding to traffic congestion or causing inconvenience to residents, while also strengthening passenger safety and regulatory oversight.