Mumbai, March 9 (NationPress) In a pivotal step aimed at addressing escalating traffic congestion and combatting urban pollution, Maharashtra's Transport Minister, Pratap Sarnaik, declared on Monday during the State Council and Assembly that the issuance of fresh auto-rickshaw permits throughout the state is suspended effective immediately from March 9.

The minister indicated that the state Cabinet will shortly consider specific criteria and guidelines related to future permits, with subsequent actions hinging on the Cabinet's resolutions.

Minister Sarnaik elaborated that the state government possesses the power to oversee auto-rickshaw permits in urban areas with populations exceeding 500,000.

In discussions with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Central government provided an official memorandum allowing the state to make decisions tailored to local circumstances.

According to the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act of 2019, and Section 67(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, state governments are authorized to manage passenger and goods transport permits and to execute various programs. The Centre clarified that these authorities can be leveraged to enhance “last-mile connectivity” and implement essential measures to alleviate traffic congestion, noted the minister.

Minister Sarnaik pointed out several urgent factors that contributed to this decision, including saturation, irregularities, impacts on livelihoods, and environmental issues.

“To date, approximately 1.4 million auto-rickshaw permits have been allocated across the state. Reports suggest that multiple permits are held by single households, along with claims of permits being unlawfully issued to unregistered individuals. Numerous auto-rickshaw unions and associations have voiced concerns that the overwhelming number of vehicles is undermining their operations and diminishing daily income. Environmentalists and public representatives have raised alarms about the adverse effects of high vehicle density on air quality and traffic management,” he added.

On the transition, Minister Sarnaik stated: “For years, rickshaw permits were distributed without restrictions. However, we received numerous appeals from unions and representatives to address the excessive supply. After engaging with the Union Transport Minister, we have been granted the authority to regulate this at the local level. Consequently, following a meeting with the RTO and relevant officials today, all new permit issuances are suspended as of March 9.”

The minister underscored that the government is in the process of drafting a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

The aim is to ensure that future permits are granted to those genuinely in need, such as children of farmers seeking a livelihood and educated unemployed youth aspiring for self-employment opportunities.

“We are formulating a proposal based on these new SOPs for presentation to the Cabinet. Once the Cabinet endorses the new regulations, the permit issuance process will recommence under the revised framework. Until that point, no new permits will be issued,” Minister Sarnaik clarified.