New York City votes to ban horse-drawn carriages after Indian tourist's death

The New York City Council voted to ban horse-drawn carriages from June 2028. The measure ends a longstanding trade while prompting a union court challenge.New York Council votes to ban horse carriages. ( Photo- Reuters)New York,Oct 23, 2026 04:30 ISTThe death of an 18-year-old Indian tourist who was thrown from a horse-drawn carriage has strengthened support for a ban on the rides in New York City, with the City Council voting to prohibit them from June 2028.The council voted 40-7 in favour of the bill on Thursday, while two members abstained. The legislation, backed by Mayor Zohran Mamdani, will end a long-standing tourist attraction and historic industry operating on city streets and in Central Park.Romanch Mahajan died on June 17 after the horse pulling his carriage bolted when the driver stepped away to take a photograph of Mahajan's family. The teenager was thrown from the carriage and suffered fatal injuries.US President Donald Trump criticised the proposed ban, arguing that horse-drawn carriages were an important part of New York City's history. Trump, whose business empire is headquartered at Trump Tower near Central Park, questioned why carriages should be prohibited when cars continue to enter the park despite road accidents. "When there is a car accident in the area, of which there are many, they don't stop cars from entering the Park. So why would they stop the Carriages? It was a Great Tradition. Another piece of History that's gone. It will be missed!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.The bill requires the city to develop a transition plan for workers by April and consider a compensation programme for carriage operators. It also calls for arrangements to be made for the horses, which cannot be slaughtered under the proposal. However, the proposed ban could face a legal challenge. The Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage business owners and drivers, said it would seek a temporary restraining order as soon as the legislation was enacted.In a letter sent to New York City Corporation Counsel Steve Banks on Wednesday, the union argued that the bill would unfairly deprive operators of the economic use of their property."This may be the first time in City history that a previously licensed profession was banned," the letter, signed by principal attorney Arthur Schwartz, said.The council's vote marks a significant step towards ending horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City, although a potential court challenge could complicate the implementation of the ban.- Ends