It is responsible for the provision of transport facilities and infrastructure on road, inland water and air – within the domain of West Bengal.
Its activities span issuing of licences and permits, registration of vehicles, issuance of permits, operation of public transport services, development of transport infrastructure and promotion of private sector investment in the sector.
The department operates from Paribahan Bhawan, which was the building earlier housing the headquarters of West Bengal Transport Corporation (formerly Calcutta Tramways Company).
It oversees the Public Vehicles Department, in essence the Regional Transport Office (RTO) for the city.
It operates out of Paribahan Bhavan-2 (First Floor) at Kasba, near Ruby Junction on the EM Bypass since 2 November, 2016.