Ernakulam RTA to issue permits to CNG, LPG and e-autos on March 30

Ernakulam RTA to issue city permits for CNG, LPG, and electric autorickshaws on March 30, with fixed fare structure.

The Ernakulam Regional Transport Authority (RTA) will issue city permits to CNG, LPG, and electric autorickshaws on March 30.

A final list of those eligible for the permits will be published on March 10. While 1,267 applicants applied for the 1,000 permits for CNG/LPG autorickshaws, only 278 applied for the 2,000 permits for electric autos.

The vehicles will have a fixed fare structure equivalent to that of other autorickshaws currently in operation. The e-autos, in particular, are expected to offer better ride comfort for passengers, according to sources.

The Motor Vehicles department decided to issue fresh city permits exclusively for these types of vehicles, citing the high pollution levels caused by fossil fuel-powered vehicles, especially diesel ones. E-autos do not produce air or noise pollution, while CNG autorickshaws are considered less polluting than diesel and petrol-run vehicles, according to officials.

Each autorickshaw with a city permit, identifiable by its off-white paint on the facade, will be assigned a bonnet number. The list of autorickshaws to be allotted city permits includes those operated by people belonging to the reservation category, Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and members of the Ernakulam Jilla Auto Drivers Cooperative Society. The inspection of vehicles eligible for city permits was completed on February 28, it is learnt.

According to a notification issued by the RTA on December 18, applicants for both electric and CNG/LPG/LNG-powered autorickshaws were required to ensure that their vehicles were less than seven years old. Besides, drivers of the autorickshaws should wear a nameplate on their uniform.