Latest news with #KarnatakaTransportDepartment
Indian Express
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Indian Express
Karnataka withdraws permit exemption for electric, methanol, ethanol vehicles; free passes to be issued for continued ops
The Karnataka Transport Department Wednesday withdrew the permit exemption granted to battery-powered, methanol, and ethanol-fuelled transport vehicles under the Motor Vehicles Act. However, the department has decided to issue free passes to such vehicles to prevent disruption to transport services and maintain public order. The order clears the way for registering battery-operated vehicles as transport vehicles in Karnataka. Until now, electric vehicles (EVs) have been mainly registered only as personal vehicles. By exercising powers under Section 66(1) of the Motor Vehicles Act, the government has ordered the withdrawal of this exemption, effectively mandating permits for these vehicles. However, recognising the need for a smooth transition, the government has allowed the continued operation of these vehicles by issuing passes free of charge. These free passes will be available to both newly registered and existing battery-powered, methanol, and ethanol-fuelled transport vehicles operating in the state without permits. A transport department official said, 'Around 10,000 vehicles fall under this category in the state. All were exempted from obtaining permits from the transport department and were plying unregulated. By bringing them under regulation, it enables proper oversight on safety, insurance, fare structure, and interstate movement.' These vehicles enjoyed exemption from permit requirements under Section 66(3)(n) of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This allowed them to operate freely without needing a transport permit — a move aimed at promoting eco-friendly and alternative fuel technologies.
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Karnataka withdraws exemption from obtaining permits for electric public transport vehicles
The Karnataka Transport Department on Tuesday withdrew the exemption from obtaining permits for public transport vehicles operated on battery, methanol and ethanol, in contravention of the Union Road Transport Ministry's October 18, 2018, order that had said a permit was not required to carry goods or passengers for these categories of vehicles. The July 1 notification said, 'The January 20, 2022, notification issued by the department exempting goods or passenger carrying vehicles operated on battery, methanol or ethanol from the provisions of Section 66 (1) of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, is hereby withdrawn.' Section 66 deals with permits for transport vehicles. Furthermore, all new and already registered battery, methanol, and ethanol-operated vehicles would be issued permits without any fee under Sections 66(3)(n) and 96(xxxiii), in the interest of law and order and public good, as specified in the notification. The Road Transport Ministry had exempted these categories of vehicles from obtaining permits to incentivise their proliferation into the passenger transport segment and reduce carbon footprints. Opposition to EVs Conventional passenger transport vehicle operators, particularly those owning and operating autorickshaws, had been opposing the entry of e-autorickshaws into the market. While conventional vehicles, operated either on LPG or CNG, are required to obtain permits and operate within a specified geographical area of a city or region, no such conditions apply to e-autorickshaws, as they are not subject to any permit or conditions. Consequently, conventional operators cried hoarse about being denied a level playing field and held many protests. Accountability and control Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy said the move was aimed at regulating the transport vehicles operated on battery, methanol and ethanol, and to ensure accountability of the driver/owner. 'I had made this promise to legislators on the floor of the legislature,' he added. The idea was to get the exact number of such vehicles on passenger/goods service, he told The Hindu. All the conditions, including GPS tracking, etc., should be made applicable to these non-conventional vehicles for passengers' safety, Mr. Reddy said. Relaxation While permits were made mandatory, operators of non-conventional vehicles would be deemed to have obtained permits if there was any delay by the department in issuing permits. There would be no fee, no renewal, no geographical limitations, and no other restrictions applicable to conventional vehicles for these categories of vehicles. Necessary rules would be framed, Mr. Reddy added.
Indian Express
01-07-2025
- Indian Express
260 autorickshaw drivers in Bengaluru booked for overcharging, illegal operations
The Karnataka Transport Department Monday impounded 98 autorickshaws and booked 260 drivers in Bengaluru in a day-long crackdown against violating transport regulations. The operation, which began at 8 am, involved 22 special investigation teams from the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) across the city. The teams took action against violations, including charging fares exceeding those fixed by the government and operating without valid permits. The initiative was launched following a surge in complaints from commuters and as part of enforcing uniform fare structures across the city. The crackdown comes days after Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy directed Transport Commissioner Yogesh A M to initiate action against app-based autorickshaw aggregators for overcharging. The minister had directed transport officers to draft and develop an effective action plan, which may include permit cancellation and criminal cases against offending autorickshaw drivers. The highest number of violations was recorded in the Bangalore South division, where 48 autorickshaws were booked and 18 vehicles were seized. Bangalore West followed with 36 cases and 13 vehicles impounded, while Bangalore Central and East each reported 30 violations. Electronic City and Bangalore North reported 26 and 25 cases, respectively. Areas such as Jnana Bharathi, Yelahanka, K R Puram, Chandapur, and Devanahalli were also covered in the drive. A transport department officer said, 'Cases were registered not just for overcharging, but also for lack of fitness certificate, driving licence, and other documentation. A detailed report has been sought from the respective RTOs, based on which we will take suitable action against aggregator platforms.' Meanwhile, the Karnataka High Court in 2022 granted interim protection to aggregator platforms, including Uber, Ola, and Rapido, restraining the state government from taking any coercive action against them. The relief comes in connection with a case challenging the legality of operating autorickshaws under licences originally issued for cab services. The court's order allows the platforms to continue operations for the time being, while the matter remains under judicial consideration. However, the transport department has clarified that action is being taken only against fare violations and other existing offences, which are now being enforced. The crackdown also comes after app-based autorickshaw aggregators hiked the fares in the wake of the ban on bike taxis on June 16. According to the autorickshaw fare revision in December 2021, the government set a fare of Rs 30 for the first 2 kilometres and Rs 15 for every subsequent kilometre. In 2022, the Karnataka High Court capped aggregator commissions at 10 per cent to ensure that fares remain affordable and transparent. As per the court's October 2022 ruling, app-based autorickshaw aggregators are allowed to charge only 10 per cent above the government-notified fare, plus 5 per cent Goods and Services Tax (GST). App-based autorickshaw services such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido have faced criticism for non-compliance, often charging fares that exceed Rs 70 for short rides (e.g., 1.5 km) due to additional charges like surge pricing, congestion fees, pickup fees or optional tips. Sanath Prasad is a senior sub-editor and reporter with the Bengaluru bureau of Indian Express. He covers education, transport, infrastructure and trends and issues integral to Bengaluru. He holds more than two years of reporting experience in Karnataka. His major works include the impact of Hijab ban on Muslim girls in Karnataka, tracing the lives of the victims of Kerala cannibalism, exploring the trends in dairy market of Karnataka in the aftermath of Amul-Nandini controversy, and Karnataka State Elections among others. If he is not writing, he keeps himself engaged with badminton, swimming, and loves exploring. ... Read More
The Hindu
15-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Order on ceasing bike taxi operations to come into effect from June 16
Starting June 16, app-based bike taxi operations are expected to come to a halt across Karnataka, following the Karnataka High Court's refusal to stay an earlier order mandating the suspension of such services unless the State introduces regulatory norms under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. A Division Bench of the High Court, on June 13, upheld a single judge order dated April 2, which had directed all bike taxi services to wind up operations within six weeks. Although an extension was granted until June 15, the deadline now marks the end of bike taxi rides in the State unless a regulatory framework is introduced. A senior official from the Karnataka Transport Department confirmed that the department is preparing to implement the court's order and will not permit the continuation of bike taxi services beyond the stipulated deadline. However, regarding the regulatory framework the officer did not wish to comment. The move is expected to affect thousands of riders and commuters. An executive from a leading bike taxi aggregator platform, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that over six lakh individuals in Karnataka depend on bike taxi gigs for their livelihood. 'Most of them earn around ₹35,000 a month, and this ban could push many families into financial distress,' the official noted. Impact of ban The impact of the ban is twofold: while it disrupts the lives of gig workers, it also leaves commuters stranded. For several residents, especially those dependent on public transport, bike taxis provided a cheaper last-mile solution. Commuters said that the services were not only cheaper but also faster, helping daily office-goers and students navigate city traffic with ease. A Whitfield resident and daily commuter, Rohan Imdapura, said, 'Bike taxis were a lifesaver for people like me. Getting from home to the metro station used to cost barely ₹30–₹40. Now I will be forced to rely on autorickshaws, which are expensive and not always dependable.' The court's decision, however, has been welcomed by autorickshaw drivers, who have been at loggerheads with bike taxi operators over what they describe as unfair competition. Rudramurthy, general secretary of the Autorickshaw Drivers' Union, said, 'This verdict is a huge relief. Bike taxis were running without clear regulations, which affected our earnings and posed safety risks to commuters. The government must now ensure there are no illegal operations continuing under the radar.' Over the past few years, tensions have flared between auto drivers and bike taxi riders, occasionally erupting into confrontations on the streets. Uncertain future Meanwhile, representatives of bike taxi riders said the decision has left thousands in limbo. Adi Narayana, president of the Bike Taxi Welfare Association, said many riders are approaching the association's offices seeking clarity on their future. 'Most of our captains have EMIs to pay, families to feed, and rent to cover. This is not just about losing a job, it's about losing the ability to survive. Will the government offer any support?' he asked. Rapido, one of the leading platforms operating bike taxis in the State, has responded to the High Court's ruling by confirming that it will comply with the directive effective June 16. While the company clarified that it is not a party to the current legal case, it acknowledged the situation and said it remains committed to acting as a responsible participant in the State's transport ecosystem. 'This is a difficult time for our captains, who depend on us for their main source of income. They have played a key role in enabling affordable, last-mile transportation for millions across Karnataka,' a Rapido spokesperson said. The company stated it is actively engaging with the Karnataka Transport Department to develop a regulatory framework that is not only lawful but also viable for all stakeholders involved. It stressed that the safety of commuters and the well-being of gig workers will continue to be at the heart of its approach. 'We remain optimistic that ongoing discussions with the authorities will lead to a balanced policy framework, similar to those in other States and Union Territories,' the spokesperson added.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
Transport dept. to give work order to roll out advanced smart cards for driving licenses and vehicle registrations
In a major technological upgrade, the Karnataka Transport Department has finalised a vendor to design and produce next-generation smart cards for driving licences (DLs) and vehicle registration certificates (RCs). These cards will feature embedded chips and QR codes, offering improved durability, enhanced data security, and easier verification processes. Transport officials revealed that the selected firm is expected to receive the official work order within 15 days. The new smart cards will replace the current polyvinyl chloride (PVC) cards that have been in use for years. These advanced cards are seen as a leap forward in modernising transport documentation, combining robust materials and secure data storage methods. 'The smart cards will be manufactured using polycarbonate, a high-grade material renowned for its strength and resilience. In addition to an embedded chip and a QR code, the cards will include laser-engraved text to prevent the wear and fading commonly seen in PVC cards. This approach ensures that the cards remain legible and tamper-resistant over their lifespan,' a senior transport department official told The Hindu. Officials highlighted that Karnataka is aligning itself with several other Indian States, such as Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh, and Himachal Pradesh, which have already introduced similar smart card systems for their transport documents. 'The smart DL will store up to 25 distinct data fields, including the licence holder's name, photograph, date of birth, blood group, mobile number, address, licence validity, and emergency contact. Similarly, the upgraded RC will display essential vehicle-related data such as registration number, registration date, validity, chassis and engine numbers, and owner details on the front. The back will carry a QR code that provides extended information, including the vehicle's make, model, type, seating capacity, and financing details,' official added. The embedded QR code will allow quick digital access to basic user information by police and transport officials during inspections, eliminating the need for manual document checks. For more detailed data, authorised personnel can use a dedicated chip reader, thereby simplifying procedures in cases of traffic violations, accidents, or document theft. To maintain consistency and quality across all cards, printing and production will be centralised at the Transport Commissioner's head office in Bengaluru, according to officials. 'This centralised approach will help ensure all smart cards adhere to uniform security and design standards. It will also streamline logistics, reducing delays and ensuring faster delivery to applicants across the state,' the official explained.
