10,000 new permits for auto-rickshaws

In November 2011, the Supreme Court had observed that 55,000 auto-rickshaws were insufficient for Delhi and had lifted the cap on allowing the department to add 45,000 more auto-rickshaws.

The transport department has decided to give 10,000 new permits to auto-rickshaws in the Capital.

In November 2011, the Supreme Court had observed that 55,000 auto-rickshaws were insufficient for Delhi and had lifted the cap on allowing the department to add 45,000 more auto-rickshaws.

Senior transport department officials said they had decided to bring in 10,000 auto-rickshaws in the first phase. "We have decided to give new permits to people who have a valid driving licence to drive an auto-rickshaw in the city and have a requisite driver's badge for the purpose too. Only one permit will be given to one person and women drivers will be given priority," said a senior transport department official.

Officials said new auto-rickshaws will have to be fitted with a GPS system and should be integrated with the electronic fare metre. "We have introduced this condition to ensure that customers are not refused nor over-charged by auto-rickshaw drivers," the official said.