Section 67 — Power to State Government to control road transport. 3 SECTIONS

In section 67 of the principal Act,— (i) for sub-section (1), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:— “(1) A State Government, having regard to— (a) the advantages offered to the public, trade and industry by the development of motor transport; (b) the desirability of co-ordinating road and rail transport; (c) the desirability of preventing the deterioration of the road system, and (d) promoting effective competition among the transport service providers, may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette issue directions both to the State Transport Authority and Regional Transport Authority regarding the passengers’ convenience, economically competitive fares, prevention of overcrowding and road safety.”; (ii) in sub-section (2), the following proviso shall be inserted, namely:— “Provided that the State Government may subject to such conditions as it may deem fit, and with a view to achieving the objectives specified in clause (d) of sub-section (1), relax all or any of the provisions made under this Chapter.”; (iii) after sub-section (2), the following sub-sections shall be inserted, namely:— “(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, modify any permit issued under this Act or make schemes for the transportation of goods and passengers and issue licences under such scheme for the promotion of development and efficiency in transportation— (a) last mile connectivity; (b) rural transport; (c) reducing traffic congestion; (d) improving urban transport; (e) safety of road users; (f) better utilisation of transportation assets; (g) the enhancement of economic vitality of the area, through competitiveness, productivity and efficiency; No bar against permit holders to ap