The Goa government is planning to stop issuing new licences for rental Mahindra Thar SUVs as part of a wider effort to improve road safety.
The move comes after a series of serious road accidents involving tourists driving rented Thar vehicles, prompting the state to consider tighter regulations on high-risk rental vehicles.
The proposal was announced by State Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho after a high-level meeting with officials from the Transport Department.
Proposal to be placed before State Transport Authority
The state government will soon place a formal proposal before the State Transport Authority (STA) seeking approval to regulate what it describes as 'high-risk rent-a-car Thar vehicles.'
According to transport officials, the powerful performance of these SUVs often makes them difficult for inexperienced drivers to handle, especially tourists unfamiliar with Goa's roads. Officials believe this has contributed to a growing number of serious and fatal crashes. Several accidents involving rented Mahindra Thars have been reported in recent months. Authorities said many of these incidents were linked to drunk driving.
Rental operators to face stricter checks
Apart from restricting new rental licences, the Transport Department will tighten inspections of rent-a-car operators across the state. Officials will verify parking facilities, vehicle documents and compliance with safety regulations. Operators found tampering with speed governors or Vehicle Location Tracking Devices (VLTD) will face a mandatory fine of Rs 10,000.
The government is also seeking stricter legal action against tourists involved in fatal drink-driving accidents, aiming to prevent them from obtaining easy bail.
AI-powered traffic monitoring to strengthen enforcement
Goa is also expanding the use of technology to improve road safety. An AI-powered traffic surveillance system will soon become operational at 26 locations across the state.
The network will automatically detect traffic violations and issue e-challans, helping authorities enforce road rules more effectively and reduce reckless driving.
Mahindra Thar has faced criticism before
The Mahindra Thar has previously been at the centre of public debate over reckless driving. Last year, former Haryana Director General of Police OP Singh sparked controversy with remarks linking Thar SUVs and Bullet motorcycles to reckless behaviour.
'If it's a Thar, how can we let it go? Or if it's a Bullet motorcycle… all rogue elements use these two. The choice of vehicle reflects your mindset. People who drive Thars perform stunts on the road. The son of an assistant commissioner of police ran over someone while driving a Thar. He wants his son freed, and we asked him whose name the car is registered in. It's in his name, so he is the rogue element,' Singh had said in Hindi.