SURFACE Tourist-tagged coaches to have free run across India The Centre is working out a plan to simplify inter-state movement of tourists by dividing the country into nine zones. A tourist taxi or a luxury coach can travel freely in a zone by paying tax in the state where it is registered. The proposed move, already approved by some states, would reduce road taxes and other levies by 50% and also save travel time by avoiding payment of taxes at multiple check points. At present, tourist transport providers pay a tax of Rs 1,000-1,500 per vehicle in their home state. This apart, they pay tax while entering any other state, which is charged on the basis of kilometres to be covered in the state. The process of tax payment at the border leads to unnecessary delays. Indian Tourist Transporters Association has made formal request to the ministry of road transport for the exemption.