Auto rickshaw operators warn of protest over illegal e-rickshaw and Rapido operations

Monday, 12 AUGUST 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN

Stating their concerns over the impact of illegal electric rickshaw operations and Rapido services on their livelihoods in Dehradun, the auto rickshaw drivers have warned of protest against the Transport department. Member of the Doon Auto Rickshaw Union, Pankaj Arora said that the government urged them to switch to CNG-fuelled vehicles, which they complied with, but despite that, their business is suffering due to irregularities in public transport. “Out of over 2,000 auto rickshaws in Dehradun, about 1,700 are now CNG-fuelled. However, despite our efforts to align with government policies, our business has been severely affected by the illegal operations of Rapido two-wheelers and e-rickshaws on the city’s main roads for several months,” Arora said. He criticised the Transport department for its failure to take concrete action against these illegal operations. He said that Rapido vehicles continue to operate illegally without paying any tax to the department, while e-rickshaws, which are prohibited from operating on main roads between 8 AM and 8 PM, continue to do so, often overloading passengers.  “E-rickshaws are operating on almost every road in the city, from colonies to main roads and near bus stands or railway stations, where they are explicitly prohibited. This illegal operation not only undermines our business but also puts passengers’ lives at risk. Yet, the department has failed to take any impactful action,” Arora stated. He further informed that the e-rickshaw operators do not pay taxes to the department, unlike the auto rickshaw drivers, who are now suffering financial losses due to the irregular operation of public transport in the city. Arora also expressed concerns about the increasing number of e-rickshaws in Dehradun, estimating there are between 5,000 and 6,000 in the city. He also urged the department to halt the registration of new electric auto rickshaws, stating that the existing number is sufficient and any further increase would exacerbate the challenges faced by auto rickshaw drivers. Another auto rickshaw operator, Dayal Thapa, echoed these concerns, adding that the significant rise in e-rickshaws and electric auto rickshaw numbers has also led to parking issues. “Most of the roads are now occupied by these vehicles, causing a nuisance for the public and this problem will only worsen if the department does not regulate the registration of such vehicles,” Thapa said. Arora said that the union will approach Dehradun district magistrate Sonika on Monday to present their grievances. He warned that if their concerns are not addressed, they will stage a protest, as the ongoing situation is severely affecting their livelihoods. “We are hopeful that the authorities will take prompt and effective measures to regulate illegal e-rickshaw operations and address our concerns to prevent further disruption to our livelihood, he added.