EV auto drivers seek clarity and fairness in permit policy

Electric vehicle autorickshaw drivers have urged the district administration and Transport Department to adopt a clear, uniform and practi cal policy on permits and operating zones, saying that uncertainty over regulations is creating difficulties for drivers who have invested in EV autos for their livelihood. Speaking to News Trail, Team Leader of Team Green City, D K Mohandas, said EV auto owners had fulfilled the regular conditions required for obtaining permits and should not face additional restrictions after purchasing their vehicles. According to Mohandas, the first lot of EV autorickshaws was allowed to operate without a regular permit, while operating zones or valaya, were provided. The Regional Transport Office later clarified that this arrangement was temporary.

For newer EV autos, both a permit and valaya are now required. Mohandas said this change has created confusion among EV auto owners. He stressed that vehicles registered up to October 30, 2025, were allowed under the decision of the Deputy Commissioner and that the assurance given to these vehicle owners should be honoured. Why not 200 EV permits? “Let the promise be kept and permits be given to vehicles registered up to October 30, 2025, without imposing additional con- ditions,” Mohandas said.

Rural ownership, city operation- Mohandas also highlighted the situation of autos owned by people from rural areas but operated by drivers within the city. He said many autorickshaws are registered in the names of rural residents while their drivers operate them in the city. If the rules are implemented based on the Aadhaar address of the owner, he suggested, many such autos could be moved to rural areas, which could help reduce pres sure on city permits and operating zones. He said this could provide a practical solution with out unnecessarily affecting drivers who depend on autorickshaws for their livelihood.

Permit transfer- Another important demand is that permits should be transferable. Mohandas pointed out that some vehicle owners may be unable to continue operating their autorickshaws because of age, financial difficulties, health or other personal circumstances. If permits cannot be transferred, such owners may be forced to discontinue operations or move their vehicles elsewhere. Allowing permits to be transferred, he said, would provide flexibility to vehicle owners while ensuring that the permits continue to be used within the transport system. There are also concerns regarding reports that permits is sued to CNG and LPG autorickshaws cannot be transferred. Mohandas said such a restriction could encourage vehicle owners to move their autos to other places instead of continuing operations locally.

Why not 200 EV permits?Mohandas compared the situation with the existing system for CNG and LPG autorickshaws. Ac cording to him, around 200 free permits are provided every five years for CNG and LPG autorick shaws. “If 200 permits can be provided for CNG and LPG autos, why not al low 200 EV autos?” he asked. He said providing a fixed num ber of permits for EV autos would support the government's efforts to promote electric mobility while also creating livelihood opportunities for drivers.

Support the EV transition The representation submitted by the drivers also points to the government's larger push to wards electric mobility and the need for adequate charging in frastructure. It refers to plans for establishing 1,250 EV charging centres, stressing that the promotion of electric vehicles must be accompanied by supporting infrastructure and a practical regulatory system. Mohandas said encouraging people to purchase EVs alone is not sufficient. There must also be clarity regarding permits, operat ing zones, charging facilities and ownership-related requirements.