The Dakshina Kannada district administration‘s recent decision to relax zone restrictions for electric, methanol, and ethanol-based autorickshaws has sparked strong opposition from the Federation of Karnataka Autorickshaw Drivers Union. The new circular, issued by Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP, permits these eco-friendly autorickshaws to operate freely across the district without adhering to previous zone limitations.
Union Secretary Mohammed Ansar criticized the decision, calling it unilateral and neglectful of the concerns raised by local autorickshaw drivers. “The zone system was originally implemented to address traffic congestion and parking issues,” Ansar explained. He expressed concern that the relaxed rules could create confusion, as the zone restrictions now seem to apply only to LPG and CNG-powered autorickshaws.
The union has demanded an immediate reversal of the decision and warned of protests if their concerns are not addressed. The controversy arises from the DC’s recent cancellation of earlier circulars that required electric, methanol, and ethanol-based autorickshaws to obtain zone-wise identification stickers and numbers. Under the new rules, these vehicles can now operate in all taluks without such requirements.
The autorickshaw drivers’ associations argue that the decision could lead to operational challenges and disrupt the existing traffic management system in the district.
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