File applications for permit for electric autos by March 31: DC

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan asked eligible autorickshaw drivers to submit to Regional Transport Authority by March 31, their applications seeking permit to operate electric autorickshaws in Mangaluru City Corporation limits.

Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner H.V. Darshan asked eligible autorickshaw drivers to submit to Regional Transport Authority by March 31, their applications seeking permit to operate electric autorickshaws in Mangaluru City Corporation limits.

As per the order issued by Mr. Darshan dated October 30, 2025, all those e-autos registered between January 20, 2022 and October 30, 2025 and plying within the city were asked to apply for permits to ply in Zone-1, covering Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC) limits. The e-autos registered after October 30,2025 will be given permit to ply in Zone-2 rural area.

The five conditions to permit e-autos in MCC limits were - the applicant should have been residing within the Corporation limits for the last five years, no permit for e-autos will be issued to persons already holding permit/s for regular autorickshaws, only one e-auto permit will be issued per person, the applicant should hold an autorickshaw driver badge, and finally, he/she should drive the e-auto that receives the permit.

During the meeting to hear grievances of autorickshaws and electric autorickshaws at Praja Soudha on Friday, Mr. Darshan quoted the figures of Regional Transport Office and said of 3,000 e-autos plying in Mangaluru, only 250 have applied for permits.

The autorickshaw drivers requested relaxation of condition asking the applicant to prove stay of a minimum of five years within MCC limits, as they were staying in rented houses. Superintendent of Police K. Arun asked the applicants to produce documents, namely LPG cylinder refill bills or electricity bills to prove their five years’ stay in the city. Mr. Darshan said, in case applicants have problem in submitting any of the documents, they should clearly give reasons, which Regional Transport Authority will look into.

Referring to another condition that the e-auto should be driven by the permit holder, an e-autorickshaw driver said he was among the many drivers who have purchased e-autorickshaws in their wife’s name, mother and sisters, following rejection by banks of their loan application for low CIBIL scores.