Patna: Bihar’s Mines and Geology Department has launched a new digital platform to monitor and regulate the entry of vehicles carrying minor minerals into the state from other parts of the country.
Mines and Geology Minister Pramod Kumar on Tuesday launched the Inter-State Transit Pass (ISTP) portal, describing it as a major step towards improving transparency, accountability and revenue collection in the transportation and utilisation of minerals.
The new system will become operational from June 10.
The launch was attended by Department Secretary-cum-Mines Commissioner Avaneesh Kumar Singh and Mines Director Manesh Kumar Meena.
Registration Mandatory For Incoming Vehicles
Under the new arrangement, all vehicles transporting minor minerals into Bihar from other states will be required to register on the ISTP portal before entering the state.
Kumar said the move aligns Bihar with practices already adopted by several other states, where vehicles carrying minerals are subject to registration and regulatory charges.
“Other states have similar systems for vehicles entering with minor minerals. Bihar has now introduced the ISTP portal to ensure transparent monitoring and proper revenue collection,” the minister said.
According to the department, vehicles transporting minerals measured by weight will be charged Rs 60 per metric tonne, while those carrying minerals measured by volume will pay Rs 85 per cubic metre.
The rules apply to minor minerals such as sand, stone, stone chips, morrum and stone dust.
The minister clarified that the system will not apply to vehicles carrying major minerals, including coal and fly ash.
Revenue Target Of Rs 5,000 Crore
Kumar said the initiative is expected to strengthen the state’s revenue collection mechanism and contribute towards achieving the department’s revenue target of Rs 5,000 crore for the current financial year.
He expressed confidence that the department would meet the target through improved monitoring and regulation of mineral transportation.
Enforcement To Begin After Awareness Period
Speaking at the launch, Mines Commissioner Avaneesh Kumar Singh said the portal would formally come into effect from midnight on June 9–10.
However, officials have been instructed to adopt a lenient approach during the first few days to allow transporters and stakeholders time to familiarise themselves with the new requirements.
The department plans to begin strict enforcement after June 14.
Singh said awareness campaigns have already been launched in border districts through newspaper advertisements, pamphlet distribution and meetings with transporters and other stakeholders.
A dedicated helpline has also been established to address queries and operational issues faced by vehicle owners.
Transit Pass And E-Challan Required
Under the new rules, vehicles carrying minor minerals into Bihar must possess two mandatory documents: a valid transit pass and an electronic challan.
District administrations and Mines Development Officers will monitor compliance and conduct inspections.
Officials said penalties will be imposed on vehicles found operating without either of the required documents.
Rail Transport To Be Covered Soon
At present, the system applies only to the transportation of minor minerals by road.
However, the department has indicated that it intends to extend the requirement to minerals transported by rail.
Singh said orders regarding mandatory ISTP registration for railway consignments are expected to be issued within the next two to four days.
Officials said the expansion would ensure uniform monitoring of mineral movement regardless of the mode of transportation and further strengthen regulatory oversight across the sector.
