Maharashtra's Auto Permit Freeze: Tackling Traffic & Pollution

The Maharashtra government has halted the issuance of new autorickshaw permits to address rising urban traffic congestion and pollution. The suspension will persist until a decision on permit criteria is made. The decision aligns with recommendations from the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.

The Maharashtra government has enacted a suspension on the issuance of new autorickshaw permits starting Monday to combat escalating urban traffic congestion and pollution, as announced by state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik. The moratorium will stay in place until the state cabinet finalizes the criteria for granting new permits.

The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MORTH) has recommended that the Maharashtra government decide on autorickshaw permits in cities with populations exceeding five lakh. Sarnaik stated that forthcoming policy decisions will aim to enhance transport facilities for citizens.

Previously, in 2017, a long-standing freeze on new permits was lifted. With the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act 2019, state governments gained the authority to regulate transport systems. The minister also mentioned investigations into complaints about illicit permit issuance, with 14 lakh permits already granted statewide.