E-auto drivers asked to apply for permits by March 31: DK DC Darshan H V

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Mar 14, 2026: Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner Darshan H.V. has urged all electric auto (e-auto) rickshaw drivers and owners who wish to obtain permits to submit their applications to the Regional Transport Office (RTO) before March 31.

He was speaking while presiding over a meeting held at Prajasoudha in Padil on Friday to discuss the demands of auto rickshaw associations and issues related to permits for e-auto rickshaws.

According to RTO data, only 250 applications have been received so far for e-auto permits, while nearly 3,000 e-autos are currently operating in the district. The state government has already made permits mandatory for commercial e-auto rickshaws. All e-autos registered before 2025 must apply for permits, the Deputy Commissioner said.

During the meeting, representatives of various auto rickshaw driver-owner associations said that the district administration has made it mandatory to submit a residence certificate proving at least five years of stay within the Mangaluru City Corporation limits while applying for permits. However, most auto drivers live in rented houses, and landlords usually do not provide certificates confirming five years of residence, which is causing difficulties, they said.

Responding to this concern, the Deputy Commissioner clarified that applicants do not necessarily need a certificate from the house owner. Instead, they can submit documents such as LPG cylinder purchase records or electricity bills to prove that they have been residing within Mangaluru city limits for at least five years.

When drivers demanded that the 688 e-autos registered between 2018 and 2022 be granted permits under Zone 1, similar to the permits already issued earlier, Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police Dr. Arun Kumar, who was present at the meeting, said that the matter would be examined if a formal request is submitted.

Representatives of auto rickshaw driver-owner associations also alleged that a permit racket was operating in the district and demanded action against those holding multiple permits. They pointed out that under the Motor Vehicles Act, the person in whose name the auto is registered should be the one driving it. However, many e-autos registered in the names of women are reportedly being operated by others in the city.

Responding to this, some drivers said that due to low CIBIL scores, many are unable to obtain bank loans and therefore purchase autos in the names of women or other family members to earn a livelihood.

SP Dr. Arun Kumar said that during the verification of permit applications, such cases would be considered if applicants provide valid reasons and supporting documents.

Auto union leaders also urged that QR codes be included in the zone certificates issued by the transport department. The SP said the system was implemented based on local conditions and necessary steps would be taken regarding the request.

Drivers and owners further requested that those currently operating LPG and CNG autos be allowed to convert to e-autos while retaining their existing permits. The Deputy Commissioner said such requests would be considered if applications are submitted.

He also said the demand from drivers to allow autos from rural areas to travel into city limits and vice versa only for transit purposes (without picking up passengers) would be examined.

Some drivers also insisted that rural autos should clearly indicate Zone-2, similar to Zone-1 in the city, and that meters should be made mandatory.

Mangaluru City Corporation Commissioner Ravichandra Nayak and Mangaluru RTO (in-charge) Muragendra Basavaraj Shirolekar were present at the meeting.