Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 13: The Government of Maharashtra has announced that electric passenger vehicles such as e-rickshaws and e-bikes will now require official permits to operate. The decision was confirmed on Friday by state Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik, who said that these vehicles must register with the state’s Motor Vehicle Department and obtain a permit before offering services.
The move aims to introduce uniform regulations across different passenger transport categories, including auto-rickshaws, taxis, and electric mobility services. Officials believe the step will improve transparency and bring better discipline to the sector. To make the process easier for operators, the Transport Department is developing a “One Window System” that will streamline permit applications and approvals.
Earlier in the week, the state government temporarily halted the issuance of new autorickshaw permits. According to Sarnaik, the suspension is intended to address increasing traffic congestion and pollution in urban areas. The freeze will remain until the state cabinet decides on revised guidelines for granting new permits.
The decision also follows guidance from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, which advised the state to frame permit policies based on local conditions in cities with populations exceeding five lakh. Sarnaik added that the government is reviewing policy measures aimed at improving transport efficiency and expanding better mobility options for residents.
Historically, Maharashtra had lifted a long-standing freeze on new autorickshaw permits in June 2017, ending restrictions that had been in place since 1997. Under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, state governments have broader authority to regulate their transport systems according to local needs.
Officials also highlighted that Section 67(3) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 empowers states to revise passenger and goods transport permits and introduce schemes to improve last-mile connectivity while reducing congestion.
According to the state’s Economic Survey for 2025–26, Maharashtra had approximately 12.96 lakh autorickshaws as of January 1 this year.