--- title: "ODC permit guide: over-dimensional cargo in India ยท SSL" description: "When cargo is over-dimensional in India (CMVR Rule 93), who gives permission (MoRTH/NHAI, state PWD), trailer choice, escorts." url: https://safeandsecure.in/tools/odc-permit-guide/ canonical: https://safeandsecure.in/tools/odc-permit-guide/ updated: 2026-11-11 lang: en-IN publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited --- Reference guide # ODC permit guide Is your load over-dimensional, and what permission does it need? The limits, the authorities and the steps, with sources. This free Safe & Secure Logistics guide explains when a load is over-dimensional in India under CMVR Rule 93, and who grants permission: MoRTH or NHAI on national highways and the state PWD elsewhere. It covers trailer choice, escorts, route surveys and e-way bill validity for ODC, with sources cited. ## The legal envelope (CMVR Rule 93, headline limits) | Dimension | Limit for most goods vehicles | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | Width | 2.6 m | Includes the load overhanging the body | | Height | 3.8 m from ground | Some vehicle categories have different limits; check the current rule text | | Length | Depends on vehicle type (e.g. 12 m rigid truck) | Articulated and truck-trailer combinations have their own limits | | Weight | Registered GVW and axle loads | Axle loads per MoRTH notification S.O. 3467(E), 2018 | ## Step by step 1. **Measure the loaded envelope**Cargo plus trailer deck height, overall width and length, and gross weight per axle. 2. **Choose the trailer**Flatbed for most machines; semi-low-bed when height is tight; low-bed or hydraulic modular trailer for tall or very heavy pieces. 3. **Check against the limits**If width, height, length or axle load exceeds the legal limit, the move is ODC/OWC and needs permission. 4. **Survey the route**For large loads: bridges, overhead wires, toll-plaza widths, turning radii, diversions. 5. **Apply for permission**MoRTH/NHAI online for national highways; state PWD/transport for state roads; police for city windows. 6. **Arrange escorts and timing**As the permission requires, often night or off-peak movement. 7. **Carry the paperwork**Permission, load drawing, invoice and e-way bill (1 day per 20 km). How it works ## The method, and its limits This guide summarises public rules; it is not a permit service. Limits are the headline figures of CMVR Rule 93. Always check the current rule text and the permission conditions for your vehicle and route. **What SSL does, honestly:** Safe & Secure Logistics arranges semi-low-bed, low-bed and flatbed trailers for construction and farm machinery, with about 78 moves in the year to August 2026. It does not own hydraulic axles or run transformer or wind-blade moves. See [ODC & heavy machinery](https://safeandsecure.in/services/odc-project-cargo/) and the [ODC transport guide](https://safeandsecure.in/guides/odc-transport-guide/). Sources ## Where the figures come from 1. [MoRTH: online permission for ODC/OWC consignments, incl. modular hydraulic trailers](https://morth.nic.in/en/online-permission-single-unit-over-dimensionaloverweight-consignment-odcsowcs-modular-hydraulic) 2. [MoRTH: ODC circular, 10 Jun 2020](https://morth.nic.in/sites/default/files/circulars_document/ODC%20circular%20dated%2010.06.2020%20(1).pdf) 3. [Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, Rule 93 (dimensions)](https://morth.nic.in/central-motor-vehicle-rules-1989-1) 4. [CBIC: CGST Rules, Rule 138(10) (e-way bill validity)](https://cbic-gst.gov.in/gst-acts.html) Figures are general information, checked on 29 Sep 2026. Rules change; follow the source before acting. ## Frequently asked questions **When is cargo over-dimensional (ODC) in India?** When the loaded vehicle exceeds the dimensions allowed by CMVR Rule 93 (2.6 m wide, 3.8 m high for most goods vehicles, or the length limit for the vehicle type), or exceeds permissible axle loads (overweight, OWC). **Who gives permission for ODC on national highways?** MoRTH/NHAI, through the online permission system for over-dimensional and overweight consignments, including those on modular hydraulic trailers. **What about state highways and city roads?** State PWD or transport departments, and local police for city movement windows. A national-highway permission does not cover state roads. **How long is an e-way bill valid for ODC?** One day for every 20 km or part of it, against one day per 200 km for normal cargo (Rule 138(10), CGST Rules). **Do I need escort vehicles?** Where the permission requires it, usually for very wide, long or heavy loads. The permit lays down escorts, travel windows and route. **What is a route survey?** A physical check of the planned route for bridge capacity, overhead clearances, turning radii and diversions before a large ODC move. **Does Safe & Secure Logistics handle ODC?** On a small scale: about 78 moves on semi-low-bed, low-bed and flatbed trailers in the year to August 2026, mostly construction and farm machinery. SSL does not own hydraulic axles. **What should I send for an ODC enquiry?** A load drawing with length, width, height and weight, lifting points, origin, destination and the date the cargo is ready. Want an exact price? Our desk confirms your lane, vehicle and price, usually within minutes. [Send your load drawing](https://safeandsecure.in/ship/quote/?service=odc-project-cargo&service_line=ODC) [All tools](https://safeandsecure.in/tools/) --- Source: https://safeandsecure.in/tools/odc-permit-guide/ (the HTML page is the record; this markdown twin was generated from it on 2026-11-11). Publisher: Safe & Secure Logistics Private Limited, https://safeandsecure.in/. Figures and their periods: https://safeandsecure.in/facts/