The Hindu Business Line : More auto rickshaws to run in Chennai

THE Tamil Nadu Government has decided to permit more auto rickshaws, the three-wheel public transport vehicles, and announced concessions for auto rickshaw owners.

According to an official press release, the Tamil Nadu Government will permit an additional 5,000 auto rickshaws on Chennai roads. However, the permits will only be given for LPG-powered (liquefied petroleum gas) auto rickshaws that will be owner-driven. Over 100 more auto rickshaw stands will also be allowed, the release said.

The green tax, to be paid by autos older than seven years from the date of initial registration, has been cut to Rs 200 from the prevailing Rs 500. This comes into effect from the current financial year, the release said.

The Government has also decided to let the vehicles carry up to five passengers if they are below 14 years of age.

Since these public transport vehicles can be a source of self-employment, the Government has announced a subsidy of 25 per cent on loans - up to a maximum of Rs 25,000 - to purchase auto rickshaws. The loans, which owner-drivers can avail themselves of, can be taken from the Tamil Nadu Transport Development Finance Corporation or banks, the release said.

According to official statistics, there are over 1.20 lakh auto rickshaws in Tamil Nadu with about 37,000 of them in Chennai.

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