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**Summary:**

The Karnataka Transport Department has reversed its policy of exempting electric, methanol, and ethanol-based public transport vehicles from requiring permits. This decision, reversing a national initiative to promote eco-friendly transport, stems from concerns about misuse of the exemption. While conventional vehicle operators and some industry associations applaud the move, citing unfair competition and lack of regulation, EV owners express worry about bureaucratic hurdles and the application process, although they are willing to comply if the permit fee remains at zero.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Scraps Permit Exemption for Electric Vehicles Amidst Controversy**

**Bengaluru, July 3, 2025** – The Karnataka Transport Department has sparked debate with its decision to revoke the exemption from obtaining permits for electric, methanol, and ethanol-based public transport vehicles. Effective immediately, these vehicles will now be subject to the same permit requirements as their conventional counterparts.

The move reverses an earlier provision, aligned with the Union Road Transport Ministry’s 2018 order, designed to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly transport options and reduce carbon emissions. The State government now claims the exemption was being exploited.

Radhakrishna Holla, president of the Karnataka State Travel Operators’ Association, voiced strong support for the decision. “The free road permits for EVs were being misused. We witnessed an unregulated surge in EV autorickshaws, taxis, and goods vehicles. The Transport Department is right to correct this,” he stated.

Conventional vehicle operators, feeling the pinch from perceived unfair competition, also welcomed the change. “It’s only fair,” said Murthy G.S., a cab driver from Yeshwanthpur. “We have to follow all the rules; they should too.”

However, the decision has raised concerns among EV owners and operators. While they are willing to comply with a zero-permit fee, they fear bureaucratic red tape. “We’re okay with permits if they’re free,” said Rafiq M., an e-auto owner from Rajajinagar, “but the government must streamline the process and avoid the current RTO system’s inefficiencies.”

The policy reversal highlights the ongoing tension between promoting sustainable transport and ensuring fair competition within the transport sector. The Transport Department has yet to release details on the permit application process for affected vehicles.

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