Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (NJC)
Mangaluru, June 29: The Drivers and Owners EV Trio Rickshaw Committee (R) has appealed to the District Transport Authority and the deputy transport commissioner, Mangaluru, seeking redressal of multiple issues faced by electric auto-rickshaw drivers and support to safeguard their livelihood.
The committee has requested that EV autos registered under rural zone-1 numbers but operating within Mangaluru city limits be granted city permits. It has also urged authorities to issue permits in cases where vehicles are registered in the names of family members of drivers due to unavoidable circumstances.
The association stated that EV autos became a major source of income for many unemployed youths around six to seven years ago, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted employment opportunities. Many drivers invested their savings and took financial risks to purchase vehicles and sustain their livelihoods.
It further said that when EV autos were initially registered, there were no restrictions regarding specific operating areas. However, the subsequent division between city and rural permits created difficulties for drivers already engaged in the sector.
The association recalled that it had earlier approached the authorities on the issue, following which registered EV autos were allowed to operate in Mangaluru city under zone-1 numbers.
The committee has now requested that the same arrangement be continued to prevent hardship for drivers who depend entirely on auto services for their daily income.
It has also sought permission to replace ageing EV three-wheelers with new electric autos. The association said many vehicles have completed around five years of service and are becoming difficult to maintain due to shortages of batteries and spare parts.
Long waiting periods for repairs, it added, are affecting drivers’ ability to earn a stable income.
The memorandum was submitted on Monday, June 29, by office-bearers and members of the Drivers and Owners EV Trio Rickshaw Committee (R). The delegation was led by chairman Anil Saldanha and secretary Santhosh Kumar R.