Govt may define norms for all-India permit taxis

With taxi operators protesting restrictions on diesel vehicles, the Centre plans to define the All India Permit (AIP) taxis as those which run for a minimum of 40 km per day and are hired on an hourly or daily rates, apart from covering long routes.
 

Aiming to explore a solution in the wake of the ban on diesel taxis, a proposal is being worked out to define taxis with AIP,  which will soon be sent to a high-level committee for approval. It has also been proposed that vehicles with an All India Tourist Permit (AITP) be allowed to be hired on contract for offices, companies and industries.

However, a final decision would be taken by the three-member committee appointed by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari after representatives of taxi and transport operators called on him requesting a policy for taxis.

The committee, headed by ministry secretary Sanjay Mitra, comprises joint secretary in the ministry Abhay Damle and Delhi transport commissioner.

After extending the deadline twice, the Supreme Court had last month refused to give more time to cab operators to convert to CNG, and put a ban on diesel cabs in the city from May 1.

Taxi operators have been protesting restrictions on diesel vehicles amid increasing vehicular pollution in the capital, where the air quality is considered one of the worst in the world.

The court has exempted AITP taxis from switching to CNG if they operate outside the National Capital Region. 

According to the Delhi transport department, about 60,000 taxis are registered in the capital city, of which 27,000 run on diesel. Around 2,000 diesel-run taxis had converted to CNG mode in the last two months.