Maharashtra govt suspends new auto-rickshaw permits amid traffic concerns

The Maharashtra government has imposed a moratorium on issuing new autorickshaw permits across the state starting March 9 a move aimed at addressing rising traffic congestion and curbing pollution in major urban centres The announcement was made by state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik who said the decision was taken after reviewing the growing number of autorickshaws operating on city roadsAccording to the minister the sharp increase in the number of autorickshaws has created challenges for traffic management in several cities The moratorium will remain in place until the state government reviews and finalises a revised policy framework governing the issuance of new permitsDecision taken to tackle traffic congestion and pollutionSarnaik said the primary objective of the decision is to control traffic congestion in cities where the number of autorickshaws has increased significantly in recent yearsldquoWith the growing number of autorickshaws on roads traffic management has become increasingly difficult in major cities The moratorium will help the government review the current situation and frame a more balanced policyrdquo the minister saidHe added that while new permits have been temporarily halted the state cabinet will decide the criteria under which fresh permits may be issued in the future The government will take further decisions after examining the existing permit system and assessing urban transport requirementsCentre clarifies states have authority over permitsThe transport minister also noted that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has clarified that the authority to regulate autorickshaw permits in cities with populations exceeding five lakh rests with state governmentsAccording to Sarnaik the Centre conveyed this clarification through an official memorandum following correspondence initiated by the Maharashtra Transport Department The communication stated that state governments can take decisions regarding the issuance of permits based on local traffic conditions infrastructure capacity and public transport needsThe Centre also highlighted that under the Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019 states have been granted greater flexibility to regulate their transport systemsLegal provisions allow states to modify transport permitsThe minister further explained that Section 673 of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 empowers state governments to regulate and modify transport permits for passenger and goods vehiclesUnder these provisions states can implement transport schemes aimed at improving lastmile connectivity regulating vehicle numbers and reducing traffic congestion in densely populated urban areasOfficials said the moratorium is part of a broader effort to ensure more efficient urban mobility and improve traffic flow in cities that are witnessing rapid population growth and increased vehicle densityComplaints over irregularities in existing permitsSarnaik also revealed that the state government has received multiple complaints related to irregularities in the issuance of autorickshaw permitsldquoIn some cases several permits have reportedly been issued within the same household There are also allegations that certain permits were illegally granted to Bangladeshi nationalsrdquo the minister saidHe added that these complaints are currently being examined by the transport department as part of the broader review of the permit systemNearly 14 lakh autorickshaw permits already issuedAccording to government data nearly 14 lakh autorickshaw permits have already been issued across Maharashtra Considering the large number of vehicles already operating on roads the Centre has advised the state to review the situation in major cities and take policy decisions based on local requirementsWelcoming the moratorium Sarnaik said the government will soon introduce policy measures aimed at creating a more efficient and citizenfriendly transport systemldquoThe government will take necessary steps to ensure that public transport remains convenient while also addressing congestion and regulatory concernsrdquo he said