13 March,2026 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The Maharashtra government has decided to make permits mandatory for electric rickshaws and e-bikes used for passenger transport, Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced on Thursday.
The move comes as the state temporarily suspended the process of issuing new permits for traditional rickshaws and taxis over the past two days while reviewing regulations in the passenger transport sector.
According to Sarnaik, electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) were earlier not required to obtain a separate permit for carrying passengers. However, with the rapid rise in the number of electric vehicles on roads, the state government has now decided to bring them under the permit framework.
The decision has been taken in accordance with the Central Government's Notification No. S.O. 2812(E) dated June 30, 2016, which allows states to regulate electric vehicles used for passenger transport.
With the new rule, e-rickshaws and e-bikes operating as passenger vehicles will be required to obtain proper registration and permits from the Motor Vehicles Department.
Sarnaik said the decision is aimed at ensuring uniform regulations across all modes of passenger transport.
"Traditional rickshaws, taxis and electric rickshaws should operate under the same regulatory framework," he said, adding that the move would bring greater transparency to passenger transport operations and help curb irregularities.
The Maharashtra Transport Department is also working on introducing a "Single Window Scheme" to simplify the permit process.
Under this system, applicants will be able to complete permit-related procedures - including submission of applications, document verification and approvals - at a single location in a streamlined manner.
Despite efforts to simplify the process, the government has clarified that permits will remain mandatory for all types of passenger transport vehicles.
Sarnaik said the new rules would help improve discipline in the passenger transport system, ensure compliance with regulations and provide commuters with safer and better-regulated services in the future.
Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday, during the ongoing Maharashtra Budget Session 2026, said that the government has decided to build modern âbusports' across the state on the lines of Gujarat.
The state transport minister said that a new policy has been formulated for the comprehensive development of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) depots and bus stations.
