Telangana Govt approves 65,000 eco-friendly auto permits for Hyderabad

Hyderabad: The Telangana Transport Department has approved the issuance of 65,000 new auto rickshaw permits within the Outer Ring Road (ORR) of Hyderabad. The decision comes in response to increasing demand for public transport due to rapid population growth and expansion of new residential layouts in the city.

The state government has relaxed earlier restrictions on the number of three-wheeled contract carriages in the city. The new order allows the Transport Commissioner to issue permits for various categories of eco-friendly auto rickshaws.

A total of 20,000 permits will be issued for new electric three-wheeler auto rickshaws, 10,000 for new CNG-powered auto rickshaws, and another 10,000 for new LPG-powered vehicles. Additionally, 25,000 permits have been approved for retrofitted electric three-wheelers.

The government has emphasized that only one permit will be issued per person to prevent misuse and trading. The Transport Commissioner has been directed to ensure strict enforcement of this guideline.

No permits will be issued or transferred for diesel or petrol auto rickshaws within ORR limits going forward. This measure aims to curb rising air and noise pollution in the city.

Earlier, the government had issued an order providing a 100% exemption from road tax and registration fees for electric auto rickshaws purchased and registered in Telangana. This exemption is valid for both GHMC and non-GHMC areas until December 31, 2026. The Transport Commissioner has been instructed to issue necessary directions to District Transport Officers to implement the new policy effectively.