The state government has expanded the permit for auto-rickshaws, allowing to operate throughout the state instead of being restricted to their respective districts. This decision was made during a recent Transport Authority meeting and comes in response to an application submitted by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) Auto Union Kannur Madayi Area Committee.

Previously, auto-rickshaws were limited to traveling only 20 kilometers outside their district. This restriction was imposed due to safety concerns associated with long-distance travel. Despite ongoing warnings about possible increase in accident rates, the state government has opted to issue permits that cover the entire state.

The permit system is now being updated to the “Auto-rickshaw in the State” model. To take advantage of the new statewide permit privileges, auto-rickshaws must register for a state permit. This updated permit also includes a directive requiring drivers to ensure passenger safety. Auto-rickshaws are currently restricted to a maximum speed of 50 kilometers per hour. 

The CITU has consistently advocated for the expansion of permits, although safety concerns had previously delayed this change. The previous reluctance to grant state permits was due to concerns about accidents occurring on high-speed routes, where other vehicles travel faster. The recent meeting addressed these concerns and lead to the approval of statewide operational permits for auto-rickshaws.