Patna : Auto and e-rickshaw operators in Patna and surrounding areas will now need to obtain new permits to continue operations, with routes being divided into three colour-coded zones — Green, Yellow, and Blue. The process for online applications will commence on March 25, with applications to be submitted through the District Commissioner’s Office.
Return of Permits After Years of Suspension
Permits for auto and e-rickshaws in Patna had been suspended for several years. With the resumption of the permit system, vehicles will be granted operational licenses based on their passenger seating capacity and the number of commuters along designated routes.
Once the permits are issued, the District Transport Office (DTO) will oversee zone-wise operations. Each zone will be distinguished by a specific colour, making it easier for commuters to identify auto routes.
Implementation from April 1
Under the Motor Vehicles Act, the zoning system aims to ensure safer and more efficient operations, with implementation expected to begin from April 1. The zones have been delineated with Patna Junction and the General Post Office (GPO) as central points.
Green Zone: Autos coded with green will operate in the eastern and northern parts of the city, including CDA Building, Patna Junction, Lohanipur, Khemnichak, Kankarbagh, Kumhrar, Gulzarbagh, Hanuman Nagar, Etwarpur, Zero Mile, ISBT Bairia, and Rajendra Nagar Railway Station.
Yellow Zone: Autos with yellow coding will serve the western and northern areas, covering Rajabazar, Ashiana, Jagdev Path, Multi-Level Parking, Boring Road, Patliputra, Bansghat, Rajapur Bridge, Kurji, Digha, Fraser Road, Saguna Mod, Ramnagari, Sonpur, and Hajipur.
Blue Zone: Autos operating with blue coding will cover routes in the western and southern areas, including GPO, Gardanibagh, Anisabad, Phulwarisharif, Birla Colony, Jagdev Path, and Purandarpur.
Application Process and Guidelines
DTO Patna, Upendra Pal, confirmed that zone-wise operations will be mandatory, and all auto owners must apply for permits through the online system starting March 25. The authorities expect zone-based operations to be rolled out in the first week of April.
