Himachal Pradesh News
Himachal to Issue 400 New E-Rickshaw Permits: Govt Eases Rules in Select Subdivisions
Himachal Pradesh has authorised Regional Transport Authorities to issue 400 new e-rickshaw passenger permits across select subdivisions, while restricting new auto-rickshaw registrations elsewhere. The notification outlines strict 20-km operating limits, permanent headquarters, and clear compliance rules.
The Himachal Pradesh government has authorised all Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to issue permits for 400 new e-rickshaws across designated subdivisions in the state.
A government spokesperson said that a fresh notification issued under Section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, empowers RTAs to grant passenger permits for e-rickshaws in several regions, including Palampur and Dharamsala in Kangra district; Chamba (Sadar) and Bhattiyat; Kalpa (Rekong Peo) and Sangla in Kinnaur; and Nahan and Rajgarh in Sirmaur.
Carriage permits will also be issued in Jogindernagar, Padhar, Sarkaghat and Dharampur in Mandi district; Kullu, Bhuntar, Banjar, Manali, Patlikuhal and Naggar in Kullu district; Theog and Rohru in Shimla district; Kandaghat, Arki, Nalagarh and Baddi in Solan district; and Haroli, Una and other notified areas of Una district.
The notification specifies that only e-rickshaws will be eligible for new registrations in these subdivisions. In the remaining parts of the state, the current restrictions on auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws will continue. However, this restriction will not affect auto-rickshaws already operating under valid permits.
It has also been clarified that every registered and authorised e-rickshaw will be allowed to operate only within a 20-km radius of its subdivision headquarters. Once an e-rickshaw is registered or authorised in a particular subdivision, its operational headquarters will be fixed and cannot be altered under any circumstances.
Further, vehicles must operate strictly within the judicial limits of their allotted subdivision. Any service beyond the permitted boundary will be treated as a violation of the notification and the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
