Udupi district’s taximen and maxicab association is protesting the Karnataka government’s mandate to install GPS and panic button devices in tourist vehicles. Ramesh K Kotian, the association’s General Secretary, expressed concerns over the high costs imposed on taxi drivers and owners. The Union government has set a price of Rs 7,550 for installing both GPS and panic buttons, but these devices are being sold for up to Rs 15,000 at Regional Transport Office (RTO) locations.
This steep price difference has left taxi drivers feeling unfairly treated. In response, the association plans to stage a protest near the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Rajathadri on July 23, demanding the reconsideration of the mandatory installation and addressing the financial strain on taxi operators.
Kotian also recalled a previous mandate requiring speed governor devices for tourist vehicles, which saw no follow-up to ensure compliance. The current move to mandate specific branded GPS and panic buttons has raised similar concerns. Around 60% of tourist vehicle operators in Udupi district have already installed these devices, paying Rs 3,300 for both. However, the RTO refuses to accept these earlier installations during fitness certificate (FC) renewals, insisting on the costly Rs 15,000 devices.
Adding to their frustration, Kotian pointed out that the state government ignores whiteboard vehicle owners who illegally offer their vehicles for hire. He emphasized that self-employed tourist vehicle drivers and owners face unnecessary harassment from the government.