The Auto Drivers Association is protesting against illegal autorickshaw operations in Kalaburagi

Members of the Kalyana Karnataka Auto Drivers Association stage a protest outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Kalaburagi on Monday. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Members of the Kalyana Karnataka Auto Drivers Association staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Monday, alleging an increase in unauthorized auto-rickshaws and app-based transport services, which they said were operating in violation of traffic rules.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner demanding immediate action against auto-rickshaws operating with white number plates, alleged duplicate vehicle registration plates and vehicles transporting passengers without mandatory permits.

Association president Laxmikant Malipatil alleged that several private vehicles and autorickshaws connected to app-based platforms are being used for commercial passenger transport without complying with the permit requirements prescribed under Section 66 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, which mandates valid traffic permits for commercial road transport services.

The agitating drivers said the increasing number of unlicensed vehicles is adversely affecting the livelihood of licensed autorickshaw operators who comply with permit conditions, taxes and other legal obligations. They alleged that the alleged illegal operations led to unfair competition and a decline in their daily income.

The association also expressed concern over the alleged misuse of vehicles registered on the board for commercial operation and sought a comprehensive verification drive to identify vehicles operating without valid transport permits or using duplicate registration numbers.

The protesters urged the district administration to direct the concerned authorities to conduct special enforcement drives in the city, check suspicious vehicles and initiate legal action against violators. They demanded that the authorities curb unauthorized services within a week, failing which they warned of intensifying their agitation.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 23:16 IST