Goa May Restrict Mahindra Thar Rentals After Accidents

The Goa government is considering restricting the issuance of new licences to car rental operators using Mahindra Thar SUVs following a series of road accidents involving the vehicle in the coastal state. This decision comes after a number of accidents in recent months, including a fatal incident in Morjim, North Goa, where a Thar was involved in a multi-vehicle collision that resulted in the death of a woman riding a two-wheeler.

Goa Transport Minister Mauvin Godinho stated that the proposal will be placed before the State Transport Authority (STA), which will decide whether any restrictions should be introduced. He mentioned that the government had received requests from citizens seeking action over repeated accidents involving the popular SUV. Godinho expressed concerns over driving behaviour linked to the vehicle, stating that some users drive at excessive speeds and lose control.

The Mahindra Thar is one of the most popular vehicles among tourists visiting Goa and is widely used by self-drive rental companies. Rental agencies generally charge around ₹3,500-4,000 per day for the five-seater SUV. However, concerns around the SUV’s usage have also emerged in other parts of the country, with former Haryana Director General of Police O P Singh criticising dangerous stunts allegedly performed by some Thar owners in November 2025.

The vehicle has repeatedly been linked to discussions around overspeeding, reckless driving, road safety violations and social media-driven driving trends. In June, a speeding Thar reportedly lost control in Verna and collided with a Hyundai Creta before hitting a TVS Jupiter scooter, injuring the scooter rider. Godinho said that while the government cannot ban the sale of the vehicle, it could consider limiting future permissions for rental fleets.

The potential restriction on new licences for Mahindra Thar rentals may impact the tourism industry in Goa, as the vehicle is a popular choice among visitors. However, the government's primary concern is road safety, and the proposed restriction aims to reduce the number of accidents involving the Thar. The STA will examine the matter and decide on further steps regarding permissions for rental operators.

The decision is expected to be made in the coming weeks, and it will be interesting to see how the rental companies and tourists react to the potential restriction. Meanwhile, Mahindra & Mahinda, the manufacturer of the Mahindra Thar, did not respond to queries regarding the matter. As the situation develops, the Goa government will continue to prioritize road safety and take necessary measures to prevent accidents involving the Mahindra Thar and other vehicles.