Electric rickshaws and e-bikes operating in Maharashtra will now have to obtain permits, Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik said.
The decision will bring these electric vehicles under the state’s permit system, requiring operators to obtain official approval before offering passenger transport services. Sarnaik said these vehicles will also have to complete proper registration with the Motor Vehicles Department before operating.
Until now, e-rickshaws were not required to obtain a separate permit for passenger transport. However, with the rising number of electric vehicles, the government has decided to bring them under the same rules as other passenger vehicles in line with guidelines of the Government of India.
Sarnaik said the move will ensure that traditional auto-rickshaws, taxis and electric rickshaws operate under a uniform regulatory framework. The decision is also aimed at increasing transparency in the passenger transport system and preventing irregularities.
To simplify the permit process, the transport department is preparing to introduce a “single-window system”. Under this system, applications, document verification and approvals will be handled at one place to make the process easier for applicants.
The minister said that under the new rules, all vehicles engaged in passenger transport will have to obtain permits, including e-rickshaws and e-bikes.
He added that the decision is expected to bring greater discipline to the passenger transport sector, ensure better compliance with regulations and help provide safer and more regulated services to commuters.
