A major problem with public transport in Mumbai is being refused for short distance trips by autorickshaw and taxi drivers, which is a reason for delays and frustration for daily commuters across Mumbai city and its suburbs. To deal with this problem, the Mumbai Traffic Police have initiated the process to suspend licences of more than 28,800 taxi and autorickshaw drivers. The penalty comes for refusing to ferry passengers wanting to undertake short-distance trips in Mumbai.

The traffic wing of the Mumbai police conducted a special drive against errant taxi and autorickshaw drivers from April 18 to May 2. During the drive, as many as 48,417 taxi and auto rickshaw drivers were issued challans (penalty receipts) for different traffic violations, as per officials.

The traffic wing of Mumbai Police launched a campaign to clean up public transport behaviour. As per media reports, the traffic police launched a major crackdown on Monday, issuing challans to more than 48,000 auto and taxi drivers. Over the span of two weeks, these penalties were handed out for various traffic violations, including refusal to ply.

Apart from short distance trip refusal, cab and autorickshaw drivers are also being penalised for driving without proper uniforms, valid permits, or registration documents. Some were even caught plying on the roads without identity badges or carrying more passengers beyond the permitted limit.

India to introduce Driving Licence Points System

Meanwhile, India is preparing to introduce a points-based system for driving licences for the first time, marking a significant shift in the country’s approach to road safety and traffic law enforcement.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) is spearheading this initiative, which aims to reduce traffic violations and bring down the high number of road accidents that claim over 1.7 lakh lives in India every year.

Under the proposed system, drivers will receive negative points-also known as demerit points-for traffic offences such as over-speeding, jumping red lights, and reckless driving. If a driver accumulates points beyond a certain threshold, their licence could be suspended or even cancelled. For example, a previous expert committee recommended a one-year suspension for drivers who collect 12 points within three years, and a five-year cancellation for repeat offenders. While the exact threshold for the new system is yet to be finalised, the government is working on amending the Motor Vehicles Act to incorporate these changes.