In a significant development for urban transport in coastal Karnataka, Udupi District Collector Swaroopa TK has declared that obtaining government permission is mandatory for operating digital app-based autorickshaw services within Udupi city limits. This announcement came during a crucial meeting held on Monday to address the growing concerns and issues faced by traditional autorickshaw drivers and owners regarding the emergence of app-based services.
Strict Regulatory Framework for Digital Auto Operations
Chairing the meeting that brought together various stakeholders, DC Swaroopa TK emphasized that there are currently differing opinions for and against the operation of digital app-based autorickshaws, particularly in areas like Manipal under Udupi city limits. While some digital app-based companies are already providing services in the region, the district administration has made it clear that proper authorization must be secured before any formal operations can be sanctioned.
Document Submission and Stakeholder Consultation Process
The District Collector outlined a structured approach to address this transportation dilemma. She stated that if app-based companies submit government permissions and other required documents before the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), the matter would be thoroughly discussed with officebearers of local autorickshaw unions and representatives of the app-based companies. Only after this comprehensive consultation would a decision be taken based on the merits and demerits of allowing such services.
"If the required licence is obtained, the pros and cons can be discussed and a suitable decision on operations can be taken," affirmed DC Swaroopa TK, highlighting the administration's balanced approach to modernizing transport while protecting existing livelihoods.
Protecting Traditional Auto Drivers' Interests
The meeting revealed important statistics about Udupi's existing autorickshaw ecosystem. According to the District Collector, over 4,000 autorickshaws are registered and operating in zone-1 of Udupi city, where drivers provide services by following a queue system at designated autorickshaw stands. Many of these drivers have been engaged in this profession for several years, and their opinions would be given significant weight in any decision-making process.
"Many drivers were engaged in this profession for several years, and their opinions would be taken into consideration," assured DC Swaroopa TK, acknowledging the legitimate concerns of long-standing transport providers.
Political Perspectives on Transport Modernization
MLA Yashpal A Suvarna contributed to the discussion by emphasizing that in the city areas of Udupi, autorickshaw services should be permitted based on public and tourist demand and the capacity of existing autorickshaw stands. He stressed the need to provide basic facilities for drivers at these stands and called for detailed discussion of issues faced by drivers who have been earning their livelihood by driving autorickshaws for the past 25-30 years before allowing digital app-based services.
SP Hariram Shankar added another dimension to the conversation by noting that while developing digital app-based autorickshaw services, care must be taken to ensure that existing drivers are not adversely affected. He revealed that complaints had been received about autorickshaws with permits for zone-2 operating within city limits, clarifying that only drivers already registered at autorickshaw stands are permitted to operate there.
Addressing Operational Challenges and Future Directions
During the meeting, autorickshaw drivers highlighted several practical problems arising from app-based auto operations. They emphasized the need for easy identification of autorickshaws operating in zones 1 and 2 through colour coding and called for allowing new registrations at autorickshaw stands to address capacity concerns.
SP Shankar provided clarification on the registration process, stating that those without registration may apply, and permissions would be granted after assessing traffic density in consultation with the CMC Commissioner. This suggests a potential pathway for expanding the traditional auto fleet while maintaining regulatory oversight.
Compulsory Meter Usage and Administrative Presence
DC Swaroopa TK also stressed that all autorickshaws currently in operation must compulsorily use meters, ensuring transparency in fare calculation for passengers. This requirement applies to both traditional and any potential digital app-based services that might be approved in the future.
The meeting saw the presence of CMC commissioner Mahantesh Hangargi and other officials, indicating the multi-departmental approach being taken to address this complex transportation issue. The discussions reflect Udupi's careful balancing act between embracing technological innovation in public transport and protecting the livelihoods of established service providers who form the backbone of the city's mobility infrastructure.
