Pune: Maharashtra Halts New Auto-Rickshaw Permits to Tackle Traffic Congestion

Pune, 9th March 2026: The Government of Maharashtra has announced a temporary halt on issuing new auto-rickshaw permits across the state in an effort to address rising traffic congestion in major urban centres. The decision was announced on Monday by Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik.

According to the minister, the state cabinet will hold detailed deliberations before finalising a revised policy that will determine the criteria for issuing future auto-rickshaw permits.

The decision comes amid concerns about the rapid increase in the number of auto-rickshaws in cities such as Pune, where traffic congestion has become a growing challenge.

Rickshaw unions in Pune have largely welcomed the move, saying it could help control the surge in the number of vehicles operating on already busy roads.

In 2017, the state allowed open issuance of auto-rickshaw permits. At that time, Pune had around 47,000 rickshaws. Since then, the number has risen sharply, with approximately 1.42 lakh permits currently issued in the city.

Several auto-rickshaw associations had previously demanded that the open permit system be discontinued, arguing that the uncontrolled growth in vehicle numbers was contributing to worsening traffic conditions. Protests had also been organised in the past over the issue.

Transport authorities said the revised permit policy will be shaped after consultations and a review of transport conditions in different cities.

Officials pointed out that the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has clarified that the power to regulate auto-rickshaw permits in cities with populations exceeding five lakh rests with the respective state governments.

Sarnaik noted that Maharashtra currently has around 14 lakh registered auto-rickshaws. Under provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019, state governments have the authority to regulate passenger transport systems, including permit issuance.

The minister also said the government had received complaints regarding alleged irregularities in the permit system, including cases where multiple permits were issued to members of the same family and allegations of permits being granted through improper means.

“In view of the increasing number of rickshaws and the traffic situation in major cities, the government will review the permit policy based on local conditions,” Sarnaik said.

He added that the state would consider the Centre’s recommendations and take appropriate decisions soon to ensure an efficient and accessible public transport system for citizens.