Maharashtra RTOs update their software, auto and taxi drivers can’t apply for multiple permits

Mumbai city news: With the new system, applicants can file their application and pay online but they cannot apply for multiple permits, which was possible in the manual system, said an official from the transport department.

The National Informatic Center (NIC), the information technology backbone of the country, has upgraded its vehicle registration system to issue permits to new taxis and auto rickshaws in the state.

“The drivers now do not want taxi permits because the app-based cab service has affected the business of black and yellow taxis,” said an official from the transport department. (HT file photo)

With the new system, applicants can file their application and pay online but they cannot apply for multiple permits, which was possible in the manual system, said an official from the transport department.

The new system will save the drivers from the clutches of agents and touts at RTOs, besides making the process transparent, he added.

After Maharashtra government’s decision to de-freeze auto rickshaw and taxis permits last month, the transport department had asked NIC to make the necessary revisions in its Vahan 4.0 system. A senior official said that the system was likely to be operational from next week.

He said that the upgraded system would be used across the state after conducting trials at the Pune RTO. “The improved system will allow auto rickshaw and taxi drivers to apply for permits and pay online so they don’t have to run around RTOs and can get the work done even from home,” the official said.

He added,“It would also reduce the number of people visiting RTO offices and save a lot of the applicants’ time. “It will bring transparency and keep a check on corruption.”

After the government announced to de-freeze auto rickshaw and taxi permits, several people have already applied for it. According to sources, most of the applications that RTOs in suburbs and neighboring Thane and Raigad districts have received are for auto rickshaw permits.

“The drivers now do not want taxi permits because the app-based cab service has affected the business of black and yellow taxis,” said an official from the transport department.