Maharashtra Halts New Auto Permits Due To Traffic, Pollution

The Maharashtra government has temporarily suspended the issuance of new auto permits, citing rising traffic congestion, pollution and environmental concerns. 

Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Monday said the decision followed a review of the growing number of permits across the state. 

Official data shows that nearly 1.4



million auto-rickshaw permits have already been issued, adding pressure on urban roads and contributing to pollution in major cities.

The Transport Minister said that the issuance of new auto-rickshaw permits has been put on hold across the state from March 9, and the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) have been directed not to issue any new permits until further orders.