Cabinet clears slew of plans, Carriers Act on its way out

NEW DELHI: The Cabinet has given its approval to introduce the amended Carriage by Road Bill, 2005 in Parliament and repeal the existing Carriers Act, 1865.

The new Bill seeks to bring greater discipline in the unorganised transport sector by mandatory registration of carriers and making the carrier liable for any loss or damage to the consignor.
The new legislation would cater to the present day requirements of trade and transportation in road transport sector. The bill also seeks to ensure proper statistical reporting in the transport sector and regulation of carriage of hazardous goods.

At present, the carriers, or transporters, are not required to register themselves. Hence, in the event of loss of high-value cargo, tracing the carrier becomes difficult. Registration will place grater accountability on the carrier, a government official said.

The certificate shall be valid for 10 years and will need to be renewed thereafter. The registration authority can revoke registration in case of misconduct by the transporter.
While the consignor would have to prepare an accurate goods forwarding note giving details, including value, of the cargo, the transporter will issue a goods receipt to the consignor and be responsible for any loss or damage of cargo due to negligence or criminal act.

The Act would also have details on penalties for offences like non-registration and carriage of prohibited goods. After the Bill is passed by Parliament, Presidential assent would be obtained and the legislation will be notified in the Gazette of India. Thereafter, rules will be framed in accordance with the requirements under the Act.