After the state received a lower-than-expected response for Toto registration, the government changed its decision at the last moment. The deadline for documentation has been extended. The Transport Department announced that the last date for registration was November 30, but it has now been extended to December 31. The department had set a target of registering five to seven lakh Totos. In reality, only around 81,000 have been registered. Department sources claim that many Toto owners had requested an extension of time. This decision was taken based on those appeals.
By paying a fee of one thousand rupees, Toto owners or drivers are receiving a temporary enrollment number. It had already been announced that Totos would not be allowed on the road without displaying this number along with the mandatory sticker. But due to the slow pace of applications, the deadline was extended. Enrollment numbers for Totos have been issued since October 13. A special sticker with a QR code is provided along with the number, and it is mandatory to put it on the vehicle. But the actual response has been far lower than expected.
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Officials of the Transport Department argue that despite special camps at regional offices and the availability of online application options at Bangla Sahayata Kendras, drivers showed little interest in going there. Some officials further claim that the initial momentum slowed due to Puja days and multiple holidays. Many owners have still not managed to arrange their documents properly.
The department has stated that once data collection across the state is complete, new guidelines will be introduced to regulate Toto movement. In consultation with district administration, municipalities, and panchayats, it will be decided how many Totos can operate in each area and which routes they will follow.
