Nagpur: The Auto Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association Joint Action Committee welcomed Maharashtra transport minister Pratap Sarnaik’s announcement to stop issuing new permits for auto-rickshaws across the state and called the govt’s move a positive step if it was aimed at easing traffic congestion.In a statement issued on Monday, the association questioned why similar restrictions were not being considered for e-auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws.The association quoted Sarnaik as saying that the increasing number of auto-rickshaws contributed to traffic congestion in several cities. Responding to the statement, the association said that if conventional autos were being blamed for traffic problems, then electric variants would also contribute to congestion. Association’s general secretary Vilas Bhalekar said restricting only conventional auto-rickshaws would amount to injustice towards thousands of drivers who depend on the vehicle for their livelihood.The association urged the state govt to reconsider its stand and issue similar restrictions on e-auto rickshaws and e-rickshaws if the aim was to control traffic congestion and regulate the number of such vehicles on roads.Bhalekar warned that if the govt failed to take a uniform decision regarding all types of auto-rickshaws, the association would launch protests across Maharashtra. The association said it expected the transport department to hold discussions with stakeholders before implementing the policy, as any unilateral decision could affect the livelihood of a large number of auto-rickshaw drivers across the state.
