AP lorry owners seek counter-signature permits for AP-Telangana goods travel

What Happened

The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association submitted a representation to the state Department of Transport and Roads and Buildings, urging the issue of counter-signature permits for goods vehicles operating between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The appeal was presented to the department secretary, Kona Sasidhar, with the association noting that the issue has persisted since the states were bifurcated roughly 12 years ago. The submission was made in the presence of the Krishna District Lorry Owners Association president N. Raja, according to the report.

Why It Matters

Transporters say the lack of counter-signature permits forces vehicles to rely on more expensive national permits, creating financial losses for lorry owners due to higher overheads and restricted cross-border movement. They argue that counter-signature permits could simplify cross-state travel and generate revenue via permit fees for both states. The proposal addresses movement constraints for AP-registered vehicles entering Telangana and vice versa, particularly for short-distance transportation tasks.

Background

After the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were formed, cross-border goods movement has required permits that some transport operators find impractical for shorter journeys. National permits, which can cost around Rs 16,500 per year, are cited as unsuitable for short trips of roughly 100–200 km or for older vehicles that are 15 years old, which may not qualify for national permits. The association has long sought streamlined cross-border permissions to ease operations and improve compliance revenue for both states.

Key Facts

• The Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners Association asked for counter-signature permits for goods vehicles moving between AP and Telangana.
• Representation was submitted to Kona Sasidhar, Secretary of the Department of Transport and Roads and Buildings, on a Tuesday (date reported as August 25, 2026).
• Current constraint cited: national permits required for cross-border movement are costly (Rs 16,500/year).
• Proposed alternative: counter-signature permits for AP vehicles and equivalent permits for Telangana vehicles, with an annual fee of Rs 5,000 per vehicle.
• Rationale: permits would ease movement and could generate revenue through permit fees for both states.

What Happens Next

The reports indicate the government may consider the request and engage in consultations between the two state administrations to determine feasibility, timelines, and fee structures for counter-signature permits.