Mumbai Auto Rickshaw unions plan silent protest against e-challan system

Auto rickshaw unions in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) are organizing a silent protest on February 16 against the implementation of the e-challan system. 

They argue that fines are issued randomly and without their knowledge, demanding a return to paper challans and seeking a waiver for wrongly imposed fines. The protest is anticipated to impact public transport, especially as BEST bus services are already reduced.

Union members will assemble at Azad Maidan and regional transport offices (RTO) to voice their concerns. With the accumulated traffic fines reaching ₹685 crore over the past five years, auto drivers are major defaulters. 

The union’s claim that the e-challan system often wrongly fines auto rickshaws, and they seek government intervention to rectify these errors. The demand includes waiving off fines imposed erroneously through the e-challan system and returning to paper challans. 

The unions also advocate for confiscating the license of traffic rule violators instead of repeated fines.

While RTO officials highlight auto rickshaws’ frequent traffic violations, union representatives argue for increased parking spaces and equitable treatment of other vehicles. 

In a separate development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is exploring plans for dedicated parking spots for autos within the Jio World Center at Bandra Kurla Complex to address parking challenges in the business district.