Mangaluru: Autos vs E-rickshaws- A growing controversy

Mangaluru: The rise of electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) in Mangaluru, once seen only in small numbers a few years ago, is now evident across the city. With the recent order from the District Commissioner allowing e-rickshaws to operate throughout Dakshina Kannada, tensions have escalated between traditional fuel auto-rickshaw operators and the e-rickshaw community.

Widespread Protests

Fuel auto-rickshaw drivers and owners, represented by the Dakshina Kannada District Auto-Rickshaw Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, staged a massive protest in Mangaluru on Thursday. They opposed the District Commissioner’s “unilateral decision” to allow e-rickshaws to operate without holding a Regional Transport Authority (RTA) meeting.

E-Rickshaw Operators’ Demands

On the other hand, the Youth Electric Auto Drivers and Owners Association submitted a memorandum to the Transport Minister in Bengaluru, demanding that their needs be addressed. The ongoing conflict between the two groups has put Mangaluru at the center of this growing controversy.

Central Government Guidelines

According to central government regulations, e-rickshaws are classified as “environmentally friendly” and do not require a permit to operate. The District Commissioner’s order, which allows e-rickshaws to ply across the district, has become a major point of contention for fuel rickshaw drivers.

E-Rickshaw Operators’ Perspective

Rakesh Rao, President of the Youth Electric Auto Drivers and Owners Association, stated, “We operate e-rickshaws as per the central government’s self-reliance scheme. The district administration has legally permitted us to operate throughout Dakshina Kannada. E-rickshaws do not require permits, and there are no restrictions on their movement. Therefore, we should be allowed to park at all auto stands in the city.”

District Commissioner’s Clarification

District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan clarified, “According to the Motor Vehicles Act Section 66, vehicles require a permit, and LPG and CNG rickshaws in the district have been granted permits under this rule. However, the central government has exempted e-rickshaws from this requirement.

“The district administration had earlier classified Mangaluru city and the district into Zone-1 and Zone-2, and these classifications were applied to e-rickshaws as well. This was legally challenged, and the court directed us to issue an order accordingly. The current order was issued in line with court directions and existing national laws. Fuel rickshaw operators have misunderstood this order,” he said.

Fuel Rickshaw Drivers’ Concerns

Ashok Shetty Bolar, President of the Dakshina Kannada District Auto-Rickshaw Drivers’ and Owners’ Association, said, “We do not oppose e-rickshaws, but there must be proper standards in place. There are already over 7,000 fuel auto-rickshaws in Mangaluru. If more e-rickshaws are allowed to operate, it will only worsen the parking situation, with just 115 rickshaw stands remaining from the previous 375. We demand that the district administration revoke the permission granted to e-rickshaws to operate across the district.”

Meeting on September 5

“To address the concerns of rickshaw drivers, a meeting with all auto associations will be held on September 5. The district administration is ready to consider lifting the zone concept that currently applies to LPG, CNG, and petrol rickshaws,” said District Commissioner Mullai Muhilan.