Suhail Rather
Bandipora, Feb 03: The District Administration Bandipora on Thursday launched a massive drive against passenger auto rikshaws who charge exorbitant rates from passengers besides violating traffic rules.
After Kashmir Convener highlighted the issue regarding charging of exorbitant rates from passengers by auto rikshaws and resorting to over loading, Assistant
Road Transport Office Bandipora swung into action and acted against violators of traffic rules.
An official said acting on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora and taking cognizance of the complaints received from various adjoining areas of main town a checking squard of motor vehicles department was constituted by ARTO Bandipora to verify the grievances and to curb the exorbitant rates charged by the autorikshwas and passenger Vehicles.
He said Team of officials conducted surprised checks at various spots particularly at Nadihal, Papchan, Gamroo, Kaloosa and Nusoo."11 Autorickshaws were challaned and blacklisted for overcharging , overloading and misbehaviour with passengers during the course of action," he added. "9 vehicles were challaned for wrong parking at various locations in main town and were held responsible for traffic congestion".
Speaking on the issue ARTO Bandipora said aggrieved persons can contact on helpline number 9596051716 for complaints/ grievances regarding overcharging by autorickshaw or passenger vehicles.
He said , we are committed to curb the illegal parking and exorbitant charges but the support of public do matters a lot .He requested public to approach the department for the genuine complaints and sought their cooperation to overcome the menace of overcharging and overloading. Such drives will remain continue till complete compliance to the rules , regulations and fares is observed,he added.
He warned strict action against the violators of traffic rules especially auto rikshaws and directed them to charge as per set norms.
“If a person is caught breaching the rules for the first time, he will be fined and later for repeated offences shall attract severe punishment ranging from blacklisting to suspension of Driving licence permanently".
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.
