Commercial drivers to get licences hand delivered

The transport department brought out a notice on Tuesday that it would make sure all commercial drivers, such as those who drive autorickshaws, taxis, and buses of Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC) and Brihanmumbai Electric Supply & Transport (BEST) are hand delivered their renewed licenses.

Currently, when licences of commercial drivers expire, they get a chit until the renewed licence is delivered to their residence by speed post. This delivery by speed post is often delayed owing to which the drivers cannot drive the vehicle as insurance companies refuse to pay any damages in case an untoward incident occurs. This leads to loss in wages for the driver until the speed post delivers the licence which might be delayed by anywhere between 15 days to a month.

Union leader A.L. Quaodros said that many times, the delay takes place as the postman does not deliver the mail to those drivers who live in slums and shanties or if they find it hard to locate the hutment. However, the new rule will be a huge relief to those who earn a living in the transport industry. “As postmen refuse to deliver at doorstep, the drivers would have to give them a bribe of Rs 500 to Rs 900 and provide their mobile number so that he would call the driver once he gets the licence. However, with this rule the unnecessary wait, effort and loss of wages can be avoided,” he said.

The drivers can go to the RTO in their area and produce an Aadhaar Card to get their renewed licence and they would be given the licence.