An efficient, safe and sustainable transport system is fundamental to the well being of every citizen. It is essential for our economic growth. A few decades back the rail services enjoyed the prime place in the transport system. In recent years, there has been tremendous growth of road transport system both in terms of goods and passenger traffic. A rapidly increasing number of people undertake long journeys on road nowadays. Movement of raw materials, finished products, agricultural produces etc by road cutting across the interstate borders have increased several fold in the recent years. The demand for different services in the road sector is steadily increasing. The Government is determined to ensure provision of adequate services on the road to meet this growing demand. Simultaneously, orderly, hassle free and accident free travel must also be ensured. Pollution caused by the automobiles has also to be minimised. These constitute a major policy challenge. Effective regulatory measures through statutory and non-statutory means have to be taken to ensure this. The Transport Department seeks to achieve this as discussed in the next few paragraphs.

The Transport Department is headed by the Transport Commissioner and functions under the administrative control of the Home Department.  The Transport Commissioner also acts as the State Transport Authority .  In Chennai city, Joint Transport Commissioner (City) is the Regional Transport Authority. In the districts, the respective Collectors are the Regional Transport Authorities.  Appeals and revision petitions against the orders of the Regional Transport Authority and the State Transport Authority are considered by the State Transport Appellate Tribunal, Chennai. There are 46 Regional Transport Offices and 40 Unit offices in Tamilnadu besides 19 Checkposts.

The Transport Department is administering the provisions of Central Motor Vehicles Act 1988, Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 and Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Taxation Act and Rules, 1974. Registration of motor vehicles, grant of permits to transport vehicles, issue of driving and conductor licenses, inspection of vehicles involved in accidents, collection of tax and fees, controlling vehicular pollution, promotion of road safety measures and other related issues connected with Transport system in the State are some of the main functions of the Transport Department.

The number of vehicles are increasing day by day in our State. The following detailed table furnishes the information.