Patna: The Bihar government has made it mandatory for all vehicles transporting minor minerals from other states into Bihar to obtain an Inter-State Transit Pass (ISTP) from June 10. The directive has been issued by the Department of Mines and Geology as part of efforts to strengthen monitoring of mineral transportation and curb illegal mining activities.
District authorities have informed mineral transporters, vehicle owners and drivers that failure to comply with the new regulation will result in penalties under the relevant mining laws.
Move Aims to Check Illegal Mining
Officials said the new system has been introduced to promote legal mineral transportation, establish effective control over illegal mining and transportation, and improve transparency in the mineral trade.
Under the revised rules, drivers transporting minerals must carry both a valid Inter-State Transit Pass and a mineral transportation challan issued by the concerned state.
Penalties for Missing Documents
Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken if either document is not produced during inspections.
In such cases, penalties will be imposed under the Bihar Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage) Rules, 2019, along with the amended provisions notified in 2026.
Online Registration Through ISTP Portal
Vehicle owners and drivers will be required to register on the ISTP portal before applying for a transit pass.
To complete registration, applicants must enter vehicle details on the portal and obtain login credentials. Once registered, they can submit applications for transit passes online.
Transit Pass Required Within Six Hours
According to district officials, transporters must obtain an ISTP within six hours of the issuance of a valid mineral transportation challan by another state.
The validity of the transit pass will remain linked to the validity period of the challan. All applicable fees must be paid through online mode.
Fee Structure Announced
The administration has also notified the fee structure for obtaining the transit pass.
Where the mineral quantity is recorded on a weight basis, a fee of Rs 60 per metric tonne will be charged. For minerals recorded on a volume basis, transporters will have to pay Rs 85 per cubic metre.
