Unauthorised operations frequently bypass mandatory safety and insurance norms, which significantly compromises road safety
| Photo Credit: KUMAR SS
After years of operating two-wheeler rental outlets without official permits from the Transport Department, operators renting out two-wheelers to tourists have now started falling in line by complying with regulations to get their business regularised.
The move comes in the wake of continued crackdown by the Transport authorities to regulate the functioning of the two-wheeler rental outlets.
In the past two weeks, the Transport Department has been taking strict action against the rentals. It has impounded around 24 bikes and started inspections to see if these rental outlets have proper documents.
Sources said there had been a steady increase in the number of such two-wheeler rental outlets in the Boulevard region over the last few years with some operators having over 100 vehicles for hire. While there were more than 40 two-wheeler rental outlets, only eight had licenses to rent out two-wheelers.
In addition, guest houses and home stays in the French Quarter have also been giving bikes on hire to their guests. These unauthorised operations frequently bypass mandatory safety and insurance norms, which significantly compromises road safety for both the riders and the public. The number of two-wheelers with rental outlets is assessed to be around 1,500 to 2,000.
According to an official, “Operators involved in two-wheeler rentals should fulfil Motor Vehicle Act norms, have trade license, must maintain not less than five motorcycles and facilities for parking, maintenance, and repair of vehicles. The vehicles should also be equipped with ISI-marked helmets for drivers and pillion riders.”
According to Transport Commissioner A.S. Sivakumar, “The Department has so far issued licenses to eight operators (40 vehicles) while proceedings (registration) have been initiated for 260 motorcycles. Subsequently, permits will be issued for the vehicles. A total of 300 applications seeking permits have been received so far. These applications will be processed and permits issued accordingly.”
Mr. Sivakumar added, “Though the State Transport Authority (STA) approved the scheme to regulate these outlets several years back, the response had been lukewarm since most of the operators were using illegal parking. The Department has started cracking the whip on operators who have more vehicles. Once the big operators are onboarded, the rest will fall in line.”
At present, as many as 500 applications are in various stages of processing including initiation of proceedings (inspection and registration), issuance of permit, and payment of tax. The department would start issuing permits on payment of fees (₹5,000) per vehicle for a period of five years. It would also facilitate registration of outlets.
Published – December 07, 2025 10:51 pm IST
