State turns on power switch for autos, taxis

Mumbai: Soon you might find yourself riding in an electric auto-rickshaw or taxi in the city. In a move to make the common man’s transport eco-friendly, the state transport department has given a green signal for taxis and auto-rickshaws to switch to electric engines that will be operated on batteries.

This will make Maharashtra the first transport body in the country to take steps for making local transport eco-friendly by going electric. Last year, app-based aggregator cab companies had sought permission to go green and a few are even seen plying in Pune.

The nod for electric engine was given on Tuesday. An official said that the move is to encourage people to cut down on their carbon footprints. “The state and centre has been pushing for green initiatives in every sector. It is known that Mumbai sees high carbon emissions from vehicles,” an official said.

The permission has been given for Mumbai Metro Region (MMR). The 1.25 lakh autos that ply in suburbs like Thane, Navi Mumbai, Bandra to Virar will fall under the ambit of this green initiative. The rule also includes the 40,000 taxis that ply in South Mumbai. “Taxi drivers who are permit holders can approach us for an electric license. They will have to show us their vehicle before they ply it on the road,” the official said.

The quintessential kaali-peeli taxis have been facing tough competition due to app-based taxi services run by private players. The electric push might allow the drivers to cut costs and switch to CNG when the battery runs out of power.