Bengaluru: Although the state government has issued a notice that it plans to issue one hundred thousand vehicle licences (LPG, CNG, electric vehicles) over the next five years, auto unions such as the Union of Automated rickshaw Drivers (ARDU) have objected to the move, claiming that it was taken under pressure from automated rickshaw manufacturers to increase sales.

They said existing car drivers in the city were struggling to earn money due to fierce competition from Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), especially after the launch of the free travel Shakti scheme for women, metro, taxi poolers, ridesharing and motorcycle, and the granting of permission for 100,000 permits would directly affect their livelihoods.

Speaking to TNIE, Rudra Murthy, Secretary General of ARDU, said: “Bangalore is already notorious for its traffic congestion, with the number of private cars approaching 10 million. The city already has more than 250,000 cars serving its citizens. Adding another 100,000 cars will cause chaos and increase traffic congestion.”

The government has to consider a number of factors before deciding to increase the number of permits – the city’s traffic conditions, road carrying capacity, citizens’ demand for new cars and the number of permit applications received – Murthy said, claiming that the state government had breached section 74 (3) (a) of the Motor Vehicles Act 1988. Because the state government did not consider these factors when it notified the decision to issue 100,000 permits.

Furthermore, the decision to issue new permits should not affect the livelihood of existing car drivers. However, he believes that the decision to issue 100,000 permits will seriously affect their income.

“Newly produced cars can only be sold if a license is obtained. The government has decided to issue 100,000 permits to cater to the lobbying of the car manufacturers and this is the case in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad, “Murthy said, adding that they would not let this happen in Bangalore. He will write to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy and, if necessary, turn to the courts.

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