Udupi: The Udupi district administration has made it mandatory for autorickshaws to operate only from officially designated auto stands with valid permits issued by the city municipality. The decision comes in response to frequent altercations among drivers over parking space and operational zones within the city.
Frequent clashes prompt action
During a recent district-level road safety committee meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Swaroopa T.K., the issue of ongoing disputes between autorickshaw drivers was raised. The DC said that Udupi town police had registered five cases linked to such parking-related clashes in recent weeks, highlighting the urgency for regulation.
The administration has now framed a new operational policy to streamline autorickshaw movement and ensure public safety. “All autorickshaws should operate only from their designated stands with valid permits. This will help prevent daily conflicts and improve city traffic management,” the DC said.
City divided into two zones
The administration has divided Udupi into Zone 1 and Zone 2 to regulate autorickshaw movement. Vehicles under Zone 1 will serve within the city limits only, while those under Zone 2 can operate in adjoining areas as per permit conditions.
Currently, Udupi city has 58 autorickshaw stands, of which 41 are authorised and 17 remain unauthorised. The DC said that confusion over which auto stands are legal and which are not has been a key cause of repeated confrontations among drivers.
New permit and display regulations
Under the new policy, autorickshaw drivers must apply for stand permits through the Regional Transport Office (RTO). The RTO and police will assess applications based on passenger density and the number of vehicles per stand before recommending approval to the Udupi City Municipality, which will issue the final permit.
Each autorickshaw will be eligible for only one stand permit, which must be renewed annually. In addition, all vehicles will be required to display the driver’s name, registration number, mobile number, allotted stand name, and zone number behind the driver’s seat and on the rear of the vehicle.
“This measure will help identify each driver’s jurisdiction and stand, reducing friction and making regulation easier,” said Swaroopa T.K.
Police and transport department to monitor compliance
Superintendent of Police Hariram Shankar presented a detailed report on the number of autorickshaws operating from each stand, revealing significant overcrowding at several points. He noted that regular monitoring would now be undertaken jointly by the transport department and the police to ensure compliance.
The DC emphasised that unauthorised stands would be closed, and any autorickshaw found operating outside its permitted zone could face penalties or suspension of permit.
Step towards organised urban mobility
Officials believe that the move will not only resolve driver disputes but also contribute to better traffic discipline and passenger safety. The administration plans to install signage at all authorised auto stands and maintain a public database of registered autorickshaws to promote transparency.
With autorickshaws being a key mode of transport for thousands of residents and visitors, the district administration hopes the new system will create a more organised and passenger-friendly service across Udupi.