New York Passes Romanch’s Law To Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages By 2028
New York City has voted to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 1, 2028, bringing an end to a tradition spanning more than 160 years. The City Council passed Romanch’s Law on October 22 by a vote of 40-7, with two abstentions, following the death of 18-year-old Indian tourist Romanch Mahajan in a runaway carriage accident in Central Park in June. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has pledged to sign the legislation, which also calls for support for affected workers and humane arrangements for the horses.
The decision marks a major shift for one of New York’s most recognisable tourist attractions. Horse-drawn carriages have operated in Central Park since its early years and featured in popular films such as 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' and 'Elf'. However, concerns over animal welfare, passenger safety, extreme heat and increasing congestion have fuelled campaigns to end the practice for decades.
Romanch Mahajan’s death became a turning point in the debate. The teenager was visiting New York with his family from Pathankot, Punjab, to celebrate his high school graduation and university acceptance. On June 17, the family was taking a carriage ride through Central Park when the driver reportedly stepped away to take photographs. The horse bolted, and Romanch jumped out after his mother fell from the carriage. He struck his head and later died in hospital. Other family members sustained minor injuries.
The incident followed another tragedy on June 9, when Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse, collapsed and died of sudden cardiac arrest. Both incidents intensified calls from animal welfare groups and the Central Park Conservancy for a ban.
Under Romanch’s Law, existing carriage licences will expire permanently on May 31, 2028, and the operation of horse-drawn carriages will be prohibited from June 1. The mayoral administration must develop a workforce transition plan by April 2027, including job referrals, career counselling, placement assistance, hiring events and educational opportunities. The legislation also requires assistance in finding humane arrangements for the horses and prohibits their transfer for slaughter. However, it does not guarantee a specific compensation amount for affected businesses.
Carriage drivers are preparing to challenge the ban in court. The Transport Workers Union argues that the city has not adequately assessed the economic impact on operators, drivers and stable workers. Its lawyers are preparing a federal lawsuit, arguing that the legislation unlawfully deprives owners of the economic use of their property. New York City officials have expressed confidence that the measure can withstand a legal challenge.
US President Donald Trump also criticised the decision, arguing that the city does not ban cars from Central Park after accidents and questioning why carriages should be prohibited. He described the rides as a great tradition that would be missed.
Meanwhile, a new development has emerged in India. Former Pathankot mayor Panna Lal Bhatia has proposed naming a road, square or another prominent public place after Romanch. However, the proposal is not yet an official municipal decision.
The teenager’s family attended the Council vote and welcomed the legislation, hoping his death would prevent similar tragedies. The ban now sets in motion a transition that will affect workers, businesses and horses, while a possible legal challenge could shape what happens next.