Auto rickshaw and Vikram operators must apply for permits of clean fuel vehicles by Jan 31
Monday, 21 November 2022 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Those auto rickshaws and Vikrams operators who wish to continue the operation in Dehradun with BS VI vehicles, CNG fuelled or electric hybrid vehicles after the ban of their respective vehicles in March and December 2023, must apply in the regional transport office (RTO) for permits by January 31. The transport department will open the application for the same from next week.
In the recently held regional transport authority (RTA) meeting of Garhwal division on November 1, the officials declared the ban on the operation of auto rickshaws and Vikrams older than a decade after March 31 and on the remaining after December 31, 2023 as per the directions of National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT has issued the order in view of the considerable increase in air pollution level in the Dehradun district. The regional transport officer (administration) Sunil Sharma said that it is mandatory for each interested auto rickshaw and Vikram operator to apply in RTO for operation of local public transport by January 31 whether they own auto rickshaws and Vikram older than 10 years or less. He said, “The RTO will sanction a letter on the approval of the application after which, the applicant will have to either convert its vehicle into a clean fuelled vehicle or buy a new one like BS VI vehicle and CNG fuelled or electric hybrid vehicles before the due date of the ban as per its old vehicle.
The RTO will give preference to local operators if they apply within the given time.” However, he added that if the department does not get sufficient applications by January 31, it will consider the applications of new applicants including four-wheeler vehicles too. He said that the RTO is also making efforts to provide subsidies to Vikram and auto rickshaw operators on either converting their respective vehicles to a clean fuel based vehicle or buying a new one eligible to operate after imposition of ban. Sharma said that the Vikrams are generally considered as the cause of congestion and pollution in many areas considering which, RTO is working on implementing a systematic approach to ensure efficient local public transport. He said that about 800 Vikrams run on 18 routes in Dehradun and half of it mostly operates from and nearby Clock Tower while there are many routes with no proper means of transportation.
Considering such issues, he said, the department has already approved to issue stage carriage permits on these routes to operators of new eligible vehicles. “Vikram operators always demanded stage carriage permits on the said routes and they can get one with the eligible vehicle. The permits and routes will be allocated only on a first come first serve policy as per the application,” added Sharma. Moreover, he also informed that RTO will also start direct bus services on the main routes of Dehradun. “The city buses mainly operate on routes from Premnagar to Parade Ground and Parade Ground to Raipur. Locals have to often change many vehicles to reach from one destination to another due to which, RTO is considering starting of direct bus services on main routes of the city,” he said.
