Maharashtra Makes Permits Mandatory for E-Rickshaws, E-Bikes
State government moves to regulate electric passenger vehicles and ensure uniform transport rules
- Maharashtra to mandate permits for passenger-carrying e-rickshaws and e-bikes
- Decision aims to bring uniform regulations in passenger transport sector
- Vehicles must carry green number plates with yellow lettering
- Single-window system planned to simplify permit approvals
GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 13th March: The Maharashtra government has decided to make permits mandatory for passenger-carrying electric rickshaws and e-bikes in a move aimed at bringing uniform regulations and transparency to the transport sector.
State Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision on Friday, stating that the step is intended to ensure better regulation of electric passenger vehicles as their numbers continue to grow across the state.
Until now, electric rickshaws operating as passenger vehicles were not required to obtain separate transport permits. However, the state government has decided to introduce mandatory permits in line with the Central Government’s notification dated June 30, 2016, the transport department said in an official release.
Under the new rules, passenger-carrying e-rickshaws and e-bikes will also be required to display green number plates with yellow lettering, distinguishing them as commercial electric vehicles.
“With this step, uniform rules will apply to conventional autorickshaws, taxis and electric rickshaws engaged in passenger transport. The objective is to bring transparency in the system and prevent irregularities,” Sarnaik said.
The decision comes amid broader changes in the state’s transport policy. The department has recently indicated that it will stop issuing new permits for conventional autorickshaws with yellow-and-black registration plates. It has also temporarily suspended permits issued to three operators running passenger services using e-bikes.
Officials said making permits compulsory for all passenger transport vehicles will help improve discipline in the sector, strengthen regulatory oversight and enhance safety standards for commuters.
To streamline the process, the transport department is also planning to introduce a single-window system that will allow applicants to submit permit requests, complete document verification and receive approvals through a simplified digital process.
The move is expected to create a more structured framework for electric passenger vehicles while supporting the state’s transition towards cleaner mobility solutions.
