Dharamshala, July 22 -- Himachal has extended the maximum operational life of All India Tourist Permit (AITP) vehicles from earlier 12 years to now 15 years, said deputy chief minister (CM) Mukesh Agnihotri.

"The transport department has issued the necessary orders and notified the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), enabling eligible AITP vehicles to avail themselves of the benefit under the revised provisions," said Agnihotri, who also holds portfolio of transport department.

He said that the demand had been consistently raised by vehicle operators, associated with the tourism and transport sectors across the state for a long time, and its implementation would significantly reduce the financial burden on operators while strengthening ...