Auto Drivers’ Association protests against illegal autorickshaw operations in Kalaburagi

Members of the Kalyana Karnataka Auto Drivers’ Association staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Monday, alleging a rise in the operation of unauthorised autorickshaws and app-based transport services that they claim are functioning in violation of transport regulations.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner, demanding immediate action against autorickshaws operating with white registration boards, alleged duplication of vehicle registration numbers and vehicles providing passenger transport services without the mandatory permits.

Association president Laxmikant Malipatil alleged that several private vehicles and autorickshaws linked to app-based platforms are being used for commercial passenger transport without complying with the permit requirements prescribed under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates valid transport permits for commercial road transport services.

Agitating drivers said the increasing number of unauthorised vehicles was adversely affecting the livelihood of licensed autorickshaw operators who comply with permit conditions, taxes and other statutory obligations. They claimed that the alleged illegal operations have resulted in unfair competition and a decline in their daily earnings.

The association also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of white-board registered vehicles for commercial operations and sought a comprehensive verification drive to identify vehicles operating without valid transport permits or using duplicate registration numbers.

The protesters urged the district administration to direct authorities concerned to conduct special enforcement drives across the city, inspect suspected vehicles and initiate legal action against violators. They demanded that the authorities curb the unauthorised services within a week, failing which they warned of intensifying their agitation.