The state government has authorized all Regional Transport Authorities (RTAs) to issue permits for 400 new e-rickshaws across various subdivisions. A government spokesperson announced today that a fresh notification under Section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 has been released, empowering RTAs to grant passenger permits for e-rickshaws in selected areas.
The approved subdivisions include Palampur and Dharamshala in Kangra district; Chamba (Sadar) and Bhattiyat in Chamba district; Kalpa (Rekong Peo) and Sangla in Kinnaur; and Nahan and Rajgarh in Sirmaur. Additionally, carriage permits will be issued in Jogindernagar, Padhar, Sarkaghat and Dharampur of Mandi district; Kullu, Bhuntar, Banjar, Manali, Patlikuhal and Naggar in Kullu district; Theog and Rohru in Shimla district; Kandaghat, Arki, Nalagarh and Baddi in Solan district; and Haroli, Una and other areas of Una district.
According to the notification, only e-rickshaws will be permitted for new registrations in these designated areas. In all other subdivisions, restrictions on the operation of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws will continue, although existing auto-rickshaws with valid permits will be allowed to operate.
The government has also clarified that each registered and authorized e-rickshaw will be allowed to operate only within a 20-kilometre radius of its respective subdivision headquarters. Once registered in a particular subdivision, the operational headquarters of the e-rickshaw will be permanent and cannot be changed. Vehicles must operate strictly within the judicial jurisdiction of the allotted subdivision, and any violation—including operating outside the permitted area—will attract action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988.
