The Delhi Government will now issue permits to 10,000 new autos, giving top priority to women drivers.
According to a circular from the Transport Department, it will be also mandatory to install GPS in the three-wheelers. At present, there are around 80,000 autos plying in the national Capital. The Transport Department has also set a range of permit conditions, including electronic fare meter fitted with GPS/GPRS and seating arrangement for three passengers.
Sources said that the Government wants to encourage more women to drive autos in the city, “Women applicants will be given priority while issuing the permit,” an official said, adding that the permit would not be transferable for five years. The Government has also made it clear that permit-holders can only run auto.
“In case the legal heir of the deceased permit-holder is a minor or does not possess valid driving license & PSV badge, he/she can hire a driver with a valid driving license and badge issued by the Transport Department,” the Government guidelines stated. According to the department, applications will be received from January 12 to February 12 and applications received in the first two weeks, i.e, January 12 upto 27 will be scrutinised/processed and disposed off.
“If the number of eligible applicants is more than the number of permits, it will be disposed-off by way of lottery,” it added.