Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme

The Government of Meghalaya runs the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme to help entrepreneurs and tourism operators buy adventure tourism vehicles. Under this scheme, eligible applicants get 50% financial support toward the on-road cost of approved vehicles. The program works under the CM-ELEVATE initiative and aims to improve travel experiences across the state while creating jobs in the tourism sector.

As of August 2026, the scheme continues to accept applications through the official Meghalaya One portal. The Tourism Department handles the program along with support from the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Cell. So far, the government has flagged off multiple vehicles including Innova Crysta models to boost tourist mobility.

Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme Details

This scheme helps individuals, registered tour operators, and village organizations in Meghalaya start or expand their tourism transport business. The government covers most of the vehicle cost, provides free GPS installation, handles branding expenses, and offers training through the Meghalaya Tourist Operator Program. Applicants must apply online and go through a screening process that includes document verification and sometimes site inspections.

The program targets people who want to provide quality transport services to tourists visiting Meghalaya's many attractions like Shillong, Cherrapunji, and Dawki. By reducing the upfront vehicle cost, the scheme makes it easier for locals to enter the tourism transport business.

Key Information

Benefits

The Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme offers several financial and operational advantages to eligible applicants:

• Get 50% funding on the on-road cost of the vehicle where the applicant pays 5% and the Government of Meghalaya covers the remaining 45%
• Receive 5% EMI co-payment support for up to 12 months to reduce monthly loan burden
• Access simplified credit linkages through partner banks for smooth loan processing
• Get a pre-fitted GPS device with a 5-year warranty fully paid for by the government
• Benefit from professional vehicle branding costs covered by the government on the first purchase
• Participate in mandatory capacity-building programs under the Meghalaya Tourist Operator Program (MTOTP)
• Receive ongoing promotional support and grievance redressal help from the PRIME Tourism Vehicle Cell
• Apply for various vehicle types including 8 to 17-seater luxury buses, 4x4 vehicles, and multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs)

Eligibility

Individuals

• Must be between 18 and 58 years of age
• Must be a permanent resident of Meghalaya
• Must hold a valid commercial driving license
• Should be actively involved in the tourism sector
• For 4x4 vehicles, must show active involvement in adventure tourism
• Must not be a credit defaulter with any bank or financial institution

Registered Entities

• Must be a registered tour operator or tourism society based in Meghalaya
• Must have proven experience in the tourism industry
• If applying for 4x4 vehicles, the entity should work within adventure tourism
• Must not have previously received benefits from the first phase of this scheme
• Must clear all financial obligations without any credit defaults
• Must provide a valid Incorporation or Registration Certificate

Unregistered Entities

• Must be part of a village organization, self-help group, or traditional community based in Meghalaya
• Work should involve the tourism sector
• Must provide certification from the Block Development Officer (BDO) confirming tourism activities
• Must not be a prior beneficiary of the first phase of this scheme
• Must have a clean credit record with no defaults

Exclusions

Individual Eligibility Limitations

Applicants cannot claim benefits if they are state or central government employees, public sector undertaking (PSU) employees, or retired persons drawing a pension. Class-1 registered contractors, active political figures, and government consultants are also excluded. Immediate family members (spouse, parents, and children under 30 years) of such individuals are normally ineligible. Only one family member can claim the benefits at a time.

Entities Eligibility Limitations

Registered and unregistered entities face exclusion if their leadership or members include state or central government employees, PSU employees, political figures, class-1 contractors, or government consultants.

Application Process

Applications for the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme must be submitted online through the Meghalaya One portal. Follow these steps to complete the application:

STEP 1 - Visit the official Meghalaya One portal at meghalayaone.gov.in and navigate to the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme section.

STEP 2 - New users must click on Registration for New User to create login credentials.

STEP 3 - Authenticate the profile using either the Ration Card (PDS) or Election Photo ID Card (EPIC).

STEP 4 - Fill in all required personal or entity details, verify identity information, and upload supporting documents.

STEP 5 - After submitting the form, save the unique application number provided for future reference.

STEP 6 - Applications undergo screening by district and state committees. Shortlisted candidates may be called for a virtual pitch, interview, or site inspection. Final approval comes from the State Sanction Committee.

Documents Required

For Individuals

• Valid commercial driving license
• Proof of address (Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License)
• Ration card of the applicant
• PAN card
• Latest bank statement for the last 12 months
• Signed Self Declaration form (Download PDF)

For Registered Entities

• Commercial driving license and bank statements from the last year
• Registration certificates such as GST, Trade License, or Incorporation papers
• PAN card and ITR details (if available)
• Relevant address proofs and self-declarations for the President or Secretary

For Unregistered Entities

• Driving license, PAN card, and bank records
• BDO certification and proof of residency or identity for lead office bearers
• Signed Self Declaration form (Download PDF)

References

For more detailed information, visit the following official sources:

• Meghalaya One Official Portal
• Government of Meghalaya - Prime Tourism Vehicles Flag Off
• PRIME Tourism Vehicle Scheme Guidelines PDF

FAQ's

What is the Prime Tourism Vehicle Scheme?

This scheme helps promote tourism in Meghalaya by offering 50% financial assistance for buying vehicles meant for adventure tourism. It operates under the CM-ELEVATE Program managed by the Tourism Department.

What specific benefits are available?

Applicants receive 50% funding on vehicle cost, EMI co-payment help for 12 months, free GPS installation with 5-year warranty, and initial branding support covered by the government.

Who can apply for this scheme?

Individuals aged 18-58, registered tour operators, and eligible unregistered entities like village organizations based in Meghalaya and involved in tourism can apply.

Is there an age limit?

Yes, individual applicants must be between 18 and 58 years of age at the time of application.

Do I need a special license?

Yes, a valid commercial driving license is mandatory for individual applicants.

Can I apply for a 4x4 vehicle?

Yes, provided the applicant is actively involved in the adventure tourism sector.

What if I have a bad credit history?

Applicants who are credit defaulters with any bank or financial institution are not eligible for this scheme.

What happens after submission?

Applications are screened by district and state level committees. Shortlisted candidates may face interviews or site inspections before final approval from the State Sanction Committee.