Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Feb 02: With authorities sleeping over the matter, the meter- less auto-rickshaws are taking passengers for a ride in Bandipora and charging exorbitant rates from passengers besides forcing overload.
The Passengers from several areas on wednesday complained that public transport operators plying on the different routes overcharge them, ignoring the government fixed fare list and resort to overloading without fearing action from authorities.
According to reports, People living in rural areas of the district from Nadihal, Papchan, Gamroo, Gundpora, Kaloosa, Mantrigam, Nusoo, Putushay, Watpora, Onagam and other areas complained of overcharging by auto drivers. They said that the drivers charge rates that are far more than the fare fixed by the government.
They said that the arbitrary overcharging by the public transporters especially passenger auto rikshaws continues ever since the service was resumed here after covid-19 lockdown while as authorities turned blind eye toward the issue.
Mehak a passenger from Nadihal complained that transporters particularly Auto drivers have started overcharging citing excuses of social distancing but enforce overloading. She said, “Transporters were even charging extra fare for the small things and if anyone refuses to pay, they are asked to leave the vehicle.”
She added that is there any government order for three wheelers to lift 9 passengers and charge 15 Rupees per passanger. She complained that the transport authorities have given free hand to the drivers who charge at their will.
She also said that transporter’s management should look into the matter otherwise people will face more and more difficulties in coming days.
Meanwhile, the passengers urged up on the concerned authorities to keep regular check on transporters charging exorbitantly from passengers.
Assistant Regional Transport Officer Bandipora was not available for his comment.
