Karnataka withdraws exemption from obtaining permits for electric transport vehicles

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 3, 2025: 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on battery, methanol or ethanol from the provisions of Section 66 (1) of the Indian Motor Vehicles Act, is hereby withdrawn.”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 said. 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.