The Goa government is set to restrict the issuance of new licences for Thar vehicles in the rent-a-car sector following a surge in road accidents involving the SUVs, State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho announced. The decision is aimed at improving public safety amid concerns over the increasing involvement of rental Thars in road accidents.

Rising Accidents Involving Rental Thars

A series of accidents involving rented Thar vehicles, particularly those driven by tourists, has prompted the government to take action. In recent incidents, a 32-year-old man was killed and a minor severely injured after a rented Thar allegedly hit their scooter in North Goa, while a 65-year-old tourist from Madhya Pradesh died after a rented Thar rammed into his car.

Measures to Enhance Road Safety

The transport department will conduct an audit of rent-a-car operators to verify compliance with licensing norms, including adequate parking facilities. Authorities will also intensify checks on the installation of Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTDs) and speed governors in rental vehicles. Additionally, stricter action will be taken against drunken driving, with drivers found under the influence of alcohol and involved in fatal road accidents to be arrested immediately.

The transport department has detected widespread tampering of mandatory speed governors in rental vehicles, with over 200 cases booked since June. Violators face a fine of Rs 10,000 and possible suspension of permits for repeat offences. The government is also introducing AI-powered traffic cameras at 26 locations across Goa, which will begin issuing e-challans from July 15.

  • Over 200 cases of tampering with speed governors in rental vehicles booked since June
  • Rs 10,000 fine for violators, with possible suspension of permits for repeat offences
  • AI-powered traffic cameras to issue e-challans from July 15

What's Next

The proposal to restrict new Thar rental licences will be placed before the State Transport Authority (STA), which will take a final decision. The government's measures aim to enhance road safety and reduce the number of accidents involving rental vehicles.