Government to issue permits to 10,000 new autos

NEW DELHI: In a move that will increase the numbers of autorickshaws in the capital, Delhi government will issue permits to 10,000 new autos and give top priority to women drivers to run three-wheelers in the city.

Transport department has invited applications for issuing permits to about 10,000 autorickshaws, making it mandatory to install GPS in these new vehicles.

At present, there are around 80,000 autos plying in the national capital and with the government's new move, it will increase the numbers of autos, facilitating commuters.

Department has set range of permit conditions which include electronic fare meter fitted with GPS/GPRS and seating of three passengers.

Sources in the transport department said that government wants to encourage women to drive autos in the national capital and for that women applicants will be given top priority.

"Women applicants will be given priority in the issue of permit on a daily basis," the official said, adding that permit would not be transferable for 5 years.

Government has also made it clear that permit holder can only run auto.

"In case of legal heir of the deceased permit holder is minor or not having valid driving license & PSV badge can hire a driver having valid driving license and badge issued by transport department," the government guidelines stated.

According to the department, applications will be received from January 12 to February 12 and applications received in the first two weeks, i.e, January 12 upto 27 will be scrutinised/processed and disposed off.

"If the number of eligible applicants is more than the number of permits, it will be disposed off by way of lottery," it added.