Thiruvananthapuram: CITU has softened its stance on the transport authority’s decision to grant state permit to autorickshaws . The union has now agreed to permit issuance under certain conditions. This decision was taken during their discussions with transport minister K B Ganesh Kumar.
CITU proposed that state permits be granted only to applicants and no special tax be imposed. For autos with permits only in one district, CITU requested those vehicles be allowed to operate in neighbouring districts too. Following the minister’s assurance to consider these points, CITU withdrew its opposition to state permits.
Initially, CITU’s state unit opposed the granting of state permits to autos and had even sent a letter to the transport commissioner demanding withdrawal of the decision. The state transport authority decided to grant state permits based on an application from CITU autorickshaw drivers union’s Madayi area committee from Kannur. However, the state unit had opposed the move.
The state transport authority, comprising the transport commissioner, IG in charge of traffic and transport secretary, took this crucial decision despite warnings that it could increase accident rates. Previously, autorickshaws were permitted to travel only up to 20kms from district borders. The permits were restricted due to the potential risks of long-distance travel.
Motor vehicle department officials had suggested that granting long-distance permits could lead to more accidents. Autorickshaws are not designed for long-distance travel and lack seat belts. Even with high-speed highways being developed in the state, the maximum speed allowed for autos is 50kmph.
Officials assessed that allowing autos to operate long-distance services on these new highways could lead to major accidents. Despite these concerns, the authority decided to proceed. We also published the following articles recently CITU agrees for state permit to autos, but with riders The transport authority's plan to grant state permits to autorickshaws saw CITU softening its opposition after discussions with the transport minister, K B Ganesh Kumar.
CITU agreed under certain conditions, including no special tax. Initially concerned about safety, the state unit had protested, but after assurances, they withdrew objections. Autorickshaws could previously travel only up to 20kms from district borders.
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