Maharashtra Mandates Permits for Passenger E-Rickshaws, E-Bikes: Uniform Rules Ahead

• Maharashtra government makes permits mandatory for passenger-carrying electric rickshaws and e-bikes.
• Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik announced the decision to bring uniform rules to the passenger transport sector.
• The move follows the transport department's halt on new permits for yellow-and-black autorickshaws and temporary suspension of some e-bike operator permits.
• E-rickshaws and e-bikes must now display number plates with a green background and yellow lettering, as per a central notification.
• A single window system will be introduced to simplify the permit application, verification, and approval process.