In an effort to streamline the autorickshaw services in the city, the
Kochi Corporation has decided to approach the state government to speed
up the procedures for issuing permits for 3,500 more autorickshaws for
the city. In a statement issued here, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany said
that till the new permits are given, a relaxation on permits should be
given to the existing autorickshaws plying in the city. The decision to 
streamline autorickshaw services in the city was taken following
complaints that drivers were charging exorbitant fares.

The
authorities earlier estimated that the city would require around 7,500
autorickshaws in a meeting held at the Mayor’s Chamber recently. “The
meeting was attended by officials from the Motor Vehicle Department, 
traffic police, civic administrators and leaders of trade unions. In the
meeting, a decision was taken to restrict the number of autorickshaws
in the city to 7,500 and to cancel the permits of the remaining autos.
We also informed the state government on the present situation,” said
Chammany.

In its assessment, the authorities have identified that
4,000 permits were already issued in the city. “A total of 3,500 permits
need to be issued which requires the nod of the state government. We
have also requested the Transport Minister to take necessary steps for
issuing the new permits,” said the Mayor.

Earlier, the Corporation
also mooted a plan to limit the number of autorickshaw stands. The plan
also includes identification of spots for the new stands, relocation of
existing ones and to make sure that the stands are being set up without
violating the norms of the Motor Vehicle Department. Accordingly, new
stands will be allowed only on roads having a width of seven metres. The
move to regularise auto rickshaw stands will also help the authorities
have a proper control over the autos plying through the city roads. The
initial list that identified the requirement of 200 auto stands in the
city was later modified by  incorporating the changes proposed by trade
union leaders.