US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Maharashtra Govt Stops Issuing New Permits to Autorickshaws
Maharashtra halted new permits for 1.4 million auto-rickshaw drivers and suspended app-based bike taxis due to rising congestion, pollution, and permit misuse, Transport Minister said.
- On March 9, the Maharashtra government ordered a temporary moratorium on new auto‑rickshaw permits, notifying 60 RTOs and suspending processing on the state website.
- The move aims to curb traffic congestion and cut urban air pollution, Sarnaik said the moratorium will help the government review the current situation and frame a more balanced policy under Section 67 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
- RTO data show Mumbai Metropolitan Region density rose to 2,648 vehicles per kilometre with over 2.5 lakh rickshaws, while AQI ranged between 170 and 200 early in 2026 and drivers reported falling daily incomes.
- Licences for certain app‑based services were revoked after alleged breaches of permit conditions, with Ola, Uber and Rapido’s electric bike taxi licences suspended but potentially reinstated upon compliance, Sarnaik said.
- The issue will go to the state cabinet and a new SOP will be drafted before resumes of permits are allowed, Sarnaik said he met Nitin Gadkari and sought central input.
Insights by Ground AI
13 Articles
13 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources13
Leaning Left1Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution66% Right
Bias Distribution
- 66% of the sources lean Right
66% Right
L 17%
C 17%
R 66%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
