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The Maharashtra government has suspended the issuance of new autorickshaw permits across the state while it reviews the current policy and prepares a revised framework. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik stated that the decision was taken due to the sharp increase in autorickshaws, traffic congestion in major cities and complaints about irregularities in permit distribution. Around 14 lakh permits have already been issued in the state, with over 10 lakh autorickshaws currently registered. The transport department will place a proposal before the state cabinet to finalise fresh rules and eligibility criteria for issuing permits in the future.
The Maharashtra government has halted the issuance of new autorickshaw permits across the state as part of a broader review of the existing permit system and urban transport conditions. State transport minister Pratap Sarnaik informed that the move was taken due to the steady increase in the number of autorickshaws and concerns about traffic congestion and environmental pressure in several cities. Advertisement
Officials from the transport department indicated that the suspension will remain in place until the state cabinet reviews and approves a revised policy for granting permits. The department is preparing a proposal that will outline new rules, eligibility conditions and the method for issuing permits in the future.
Government data shows that Maharashtra has already issued close to 14 lakh autorickshaw permits. Out of these, more than 10 lakh vehicles are currently registered and operating on roads across the state. Authorities believe that the rapid growth in the number of rickshaws has contributed to increasing congestion in major urban centres such as Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and other cities.
The transport minister indicated that the government had received several complaints regarding the current permit system. According to officials, there were cases where multiple permits were issued to members of the same family, raising concerns about misuse of the open permit policy. The department also received reports suggesting that some permits were allegedly issued to foreign nationals, including individuals from Bangladesh, which has prompted closer scrutiny of the approval process.
Transport officials stated that these concerns led the government to reassess the existing policy and examine whether the permit system required tighter regulation. The aim of the review is to ensure that permits are issued fairly and that the number of vehicles on the road remains manageable.
The open permit system for autorickshaws was introduced by the state government in 2017. The policy allowed eligible individuals, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to apply for permits more easily and earn a livelihood by operating autorickshaws. While the system helped many people enter the transport sector, it also resulted in a significant increase in the number of vehicles over the years.
Cities such as Pune witnessed a sharp rise in autorickshaws after the open permit policy came into effect. Local transport authorities and driver unions had earlier pointed out that the growing number of vehicles not only worsened traffic congestion but also reduced daily earnings for drivers due to increased competition.
Officials also noted that the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways allows state governments to regulate the issuance of transport permits depending on local conditions, especially in cities with populations exceeding five lakh. This provision has enabled the Maharashtra government to pause the permit process while it prepares a revised policy.
Regional transport offices across the state have been instructed not to accept new applications for autorickshaw permits until further orders are issued. Existing permit holders, however, will continue to operate as usual.
Some autorickshaw unions have supported the government's decision to review the policy, stating that controlling the number of vehicles could help improve drivers income and reduce overcrowding on city roads. At the same time, unions have requested that the government consult stakeholders before finalising the new rules.
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