The UTP (Universal Travel Pass) portal was introduced by the Disaster Management Relief and Rehabilitation Department in Maharashtra. With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic causing disruptions and limitations in travel, requirements such as RTPCR tests, Covid-19 vaccination records, and other regulations became mandatory for travel. In response, the Maharashtra government launched the UTP system to streamline the travel process. Individuals possessing universal travel passes were permitted to travel during periods of COVID-19 restrictions, aiming to minimise the transmission of the virus.
What is UTP (Universal Travel Pass)?
The global spread of the coronavirus led to a pandemic, prompting various state governments to impose lockdowns as a measure to contain its transmission. As conditions improved, restrictions began to ease, with transportation being one of the primary sectors experiencing gradual relief. However, as the third wave of the coronavirus emerged, the Maharashtra state government introduced the universal travel pass, enabling individuals to travel even during periods of enforced restrictions.
Why was the Universal Travel Pass launched?
Reasons why the Universal Travel Pass was launched are:
- Covid-19 restrictions: The outbreak of Covid-19 led to disruptions in travel and imposed strict norms such as RTPCR tests and vaccination certificates.
- Mandatory requirements: Travellers faced challenges complying with mandatory Covid-19 protocols, causing inconvenience and delays.
- Smooth travel: The Maharashtra government introduced the Universal Travel Pass to simplify the travel process, allowing pass holders to navigate Covid-19 restrictions seamlessly.
- Minimise transmission: The initiative aimed to minimize virus transmission while facilitating essential travel during pandemic restrictions.
Tips on how to download the universal travel pass
To obtain an online universal travel pass, eligibility is restricted to individuals employed in essential sectors such as utility, education, and health, and it is imperative to possess all the necessary documents for the universal pass download.
To download a universal travel pass, follow these steps:
- Visit the Universal Travel Pass (UTP) portal and click on the UTP option.
- Select the 'register your establishment' link on the subsequent webpage, which will lead you to a new registration form.
- Fill in all the required details accurately in the form, including name, contact number, address, category, business type, etc.
- Upon completing the form, click the 'register' button.
After successfully registering, proceed with the universal pass download using the following steps:
- Visit the Universal Travel Pass (UTP) portal and click on UTP.
- Choose the 'download universal travel pass' link.
- Access a new webpage where you will need to input your mobile number, generating a one-time password.
- Enter the one-time password in the provided box to verify your mobile number.
- Upload your photograph as instructed.
- This will initiate the UTP generation. Click on the 'print pass' link.
- Your UTP will be downloaded and ready for printing.
Follow these steps for the universal pass download, ensuring you have all the required documents before accessing the universal travel pass link.
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