To:

Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra

Municipal Commissioner – BMC

Transport Commissioner, Maharashtra State

We, the citizens of Mumbai, request an urgent ban on auto-rickshaws within city limits, beginning from Bandra–Andheri and gradually expanding to the entire city.

 

Mumbai, one of India’s fastest-growing metropolitan regions, is struggling with severe traffic congestion, chaotic road discipline, and inefficient last-mile public transport. A significant contributor to these issues is the increasing number of auto-rickshaws operating beyond their intended role and capacity.

 

Key Issues

✅ 1. Road Congestion

Auto-rickshaws move slowly, halt abruptly, and often occupy disproportionate road space, adding heavily to peak-hour traffic jams, especially in areas such as

Andheri, Jogeshwari, Bandra Kurla Complex, and Lower Parel.

 

✅ 2. Poor Driving Discipline

Auto drivers frequently:

 • Break traffic rules

 • Stop anywhere without warning

 • Block bus lanes

 • Overcharge passengers

 • Refuse rides

This behavior affects the daily movement of lakhs of commuters and risks road safety.

 

✅ 3. Environmental Impact

Contrary to assumption, ageing autos contribute to pollution and slow traffic movement, increasing vehicle idling and emissions. The city urgently needs cleaner and more organised transport alternatives.

 

✅ 4. Public Transport Alternatives Are Sufficient

Mumbai now has:

 • Metro lines (expanding rapidly)

 • BEST electric buses

 • Local trains

 • Taxis

These systems are capable of handling urban passenger movement far more efficiently.

 

Our Demand

We request the state government and transport authorities to:

 1. Ban auto-rickshaws in Phase-wise manner:

 • Phase 1: Ban operation from Bandra to Andheri

 • Phase 2: Extend ban to other zones of Mumbai

 2. Encourage use of BEST buses, Metro, e-taxis, and shared mobility services.

 3. Create policies ensuring reskilling and alternative employment support for affected auto-drivers.

 

Why this matters

Millions of citizens travel daily for work, education, healthcare, and livelihood. We deserve safe, disciplined, efficient transportation.

Autos have long outlived their usefulness in Mumbai’s changing urban landscape.

A controlled ban will:

✅ Improve traffic flow

✅ Reduce pollution

✅ Promote safer roads

✅ Make public transportation faster and more reliable

 

Conclusion

Mumbai needs a modern, world-class transportation system suited for a metro city. This petition calls for bold steps to reorganize road transport by phasing out auto-rickshaws, starting with the most congested corridors such as Andheri.

 

We urge authorities to take immediate action.

Help us make Mumbai safer, cleaner, and more efficient.

 

✍️ Sign this petition and share it widely!