The Transport Department will start granting permits to companies willing to operate electric autorickshaws (e-autorickshaws) on the lines of permits given to taxis, with the aim of giving an impetus to electric vehicles in the city.
The companies must have an office in Bengaluru and operations will be limited to the BBMP limits.
“The State government had decided to promote e-vehicles and had come out with a policy. Those interested can approach the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), which grants permit to operate the e-autorickshaws,” said B. Basavaraju, Principal Secretary, Transport Department.
The government has also increased the number of autorickshaw permits to be given from the existing 1,25,00 to 1,55,000 for the next five years. Of the additional 30,000 permits, 25,000 will be issued for autorickshaws (four stroke BSIV) fitted with LPG and CNG kits. The rest will be issued for electric autorickshaws under the 'Karnataka Electric Vehicle Policy 2017'.
As many as 500 permits will be reserved for women drivers for pink autorickshaws. The department has barred existing permit holders from applying for a new one.
By increasing the number of permits, the department hopes to avoid ‘unnecessary competition’ for autorickshaw permits and curb black marketing of permits.
M. Manjunath, president of Aadarsh Auto Union, said, “Though the intention of the department is good, it is not easy. We have a long way to go in manufacture of e-autorickshaws and a lot more needs be done in building infrastructure, such as charging points.”
