JOIN USBengaluru: It will be the end of the road for two-stroke autorickshaws from April 1. The Transport department has banned them from operating on Bengaluru roads.
The objective is to curb pollution, transport commissioner B Dayananda said. The department is setting up 'scrap centres' to junk two-stroke autos, he told reporters on Tuesday. Two government-approved centres have already come up in Nelamangala and Rajajinagar. At least 100 autos can be scrapped every day. "Owners have to bear the cost."
About 25,000 autos with two-stroke engines ply on the city roads. "The state government will give a subsidy of Rs 30,000 to all vehicle owners as compensation.
About 10,000 auto owners can get this subsidy," he said.
Autorickshaw unions' request of Rs 50,000 subsidy is pending before the Finance department. The government has exempted all electric vehicles from road tax, Dayananda said. Within a month, all autos will get e-permits. It is mandatory for every autorickshaw owner to get an e-permit.