Pune: Uniforms Now Mandatory for Rickshaw and Taxi Drivers; RTO Urges Government Employees to Surrender Auto Permits
Pune’s Regional Transport Department (RTO) has made it compulsory for all autorickshaw and taxi drivers, including license holders, to wear a prescribed uniform and carry valid identification. The mandatory uniform includes a white shirt and khaki trousers. Additionally, drivers must carry valid vehicle documents at all times.
In a significant directive dated April 4, 2025, the Pune RTO reiterated that individuals who are employed in government, semi-government, private companies, or organized sectors are not permitted to hold autorickshaw permits. This follows earlier decisions to ensure only eligible individuals operate public transport vehicles under the open autorickshaw permit policy.
The RTO highlighted that applicants for autorickshaw permits must submit an affidavit declaring that they are not employed in any such sectors. The department had earlier appealed to such employees to voluntarily surrender their permits by January 31, 2025.
With this latest order, the RTO has extended the deadline and renewed its appeal. Government or private sector employees who currently hold autorickshaw permits or have obtained them after joining such employment are requested to surrender their permits to the Pune RTO by April 30, 2025.
The notice warns that failure to comply with this directive will result in action under the Motor Vehicles Act and other provisions prescribed by the authority.
The RTO has requested that this announcement be widely publicized in the interest of the public.
