Plans Curbs On Rental Mahindra Thar SUVs In ‘This’ State After Fatal Crashes; Stricter Rules, AI Cameras On The Way

Goa government proposes restricting new rental licences for Mahindra Thar SUVs after a series of fatal accidents. Authorities also plan stricter action against rental operators, drink-driving and traffic violations to improve road safety.

By Vidhi Lalla 

The Goa government is planning to tighten regulations on self-drive rental vehicles by restricting new rental licences for Mahindra Thar SUVs following a series of fatal road accidents involving the vehicle.

The proposal was discussed during a high-level meeting chaired by Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho and Transport Department officials. The matter will now be placed before the State Transport Authority (STA) for consideration.

According to the minister, the move is aimed at improving road safety after repeated accidents involving rented Mahindra Thar vehicles, many of them driven by tourists visiting the state.

Godinho said the government is considering stopping the issuance of new rental permits for Mahindra Thar SUVs and, if legally feasible, may even recommend a complete ban on rental agencies operating the vehicle.

The minister said the government had reviewed the reasons behind the accidents and was exploring measures to reduce road fatalities.

“We are concerned about the rising number of accidents and a discussion was held on the reasons and how to curb them. As far as Thar vehicles are concerned, we are going to restrict issuing new licences to operators of rental Thar vehicles… It is going to come up in the next STA meeting, and they will decide what action has to be taken.”

Explaining the government’s concerns, Godinho stated:

“It has got too much of speed and no control, so they just go and bang.”

He further added:

“Given the freedom, we would have banned the Thar. But we are going to recommend to the STA to take action on this. And further permissions for Thar perhaps will not be given.”

Fatal crashes triggered the proposal

The Mahindra Thar remains one of the most popular rental SUVs among domestic and international tourists visiting Goa. However, the vehicle has also been involved in several serious crashes in recent months.

In February, a rented Thar allegedly hit another vehicle at Happy Bar Junction in Asagaon, killing a 65-year-old tourist from Bhopal.

In another incident in May, a rented Thar allegedly rammed into a scooter in North Goa, killing a 32-year-old man and critically injuring a minor. Police later found that the tourist driving the SUV was allegedly under the influence of alcohol.

Wider crackdown on rental operators

The proposed measures go beyond restricting Thar rentals. The Goa government plans to tighten oversight of rental agencies by auditing parking facilities, vehicle documents and safety compliance.

Authorities have warned that operators who disable mandatory speed governors or vehicle tracking systems could face a fine of Rs 10,000. The government also plans action against operators illegally renting out private (white number plate) vehicles to tourists.

To strengthen traffic enforcement, Goa has installed AI-enabled traffic cameras at 26 locations. During trial runs, the system reportedly detected more than 56,500 traffic violations in a single day. From July 15, violators will begin receiving automatic e-challans, while the number of AI cameras is expected to increase to 90 by December 2026.

The government has also announced stricter action against drink-driving. Drivers involved in fatal accidents while under the influence of alcohol may face immediate arrest under the revised enforcement measures.

The proposals are currently under consideration and will require approval from the State Transport Authority before implementation.

Road Safety Rules For Tourists Renting Vehicles In Goa

• Never drink and drive. Goa has announced stricter enforcement against intoxicated driving.
• Follow speed limits, especially on narrow village roads, coastal stretches and hilly routes.
• Drive only if you are confident handling larger SUVs such as the Mahindra Thar.
• Wear seat belts and ensure every passenger is properly restrained.
• Do not perform stunts, off-road driving or reckless overtaking on public roads.
• Avoid using mobile phones while driving unless using a legal hands-free system.
• Obey AI camera enforcement, traffic signals and road signs, as e-challans may be issued automatically.

Disclaimer: The proposal to restrict new rental licences for Mahindra Thar SUVs is under consideration by the Goa State Transport Authority and has not yet been implemented.