Transport Dept considers banning operation of Vikrams and auto rickshaws
Wednesday, 02 November 2022 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The operation of auto rickshaws and Vikrams older than 10 years may possibly be banned by March 31 next year and the remaining are expected to be banned by December 31, 2023 in the Dehradun division. The decision was taken in the meeting of the Regional
Transport Authority (RTA) which was held on Tuesday after a gap of three years. Various decisions were taken in the meeting headed by the Garhwal commissioner and RTA head, Sushil Kumar. The officials decided in the meeting that the Transport department will make a policy for the replacement of petrol and diesel fuelled Vikrams and auto rickshaws with BS VI vehicles, CNG fuelled or electric hybrid vehicles to minimise air pollution in the Dehradun division by December 2023.
Considering that the older vehicles cause more air pollution, the officials discussed not allowing the operation of such auto rickshaws and Vikrams which are older than 10 years after March 31. The department will consider providing subsidies to Vikram and auto rickshaw owners who would operate CNG fuelled, electricity based and BS VI vehicles. The RTA also discussed the operation of BS VI vehicles, CNG fuelled and electric hybrid vehicles on 18 stage carriage routes recently approved by the State government to provide an affordable, safe and comfortable journey to commuters while also considering other crucial factors like pollution and traffic. Considering the consistently increasing number of e-rickshaws in the cities, the RTA directed the officials to verify the operators of e-rickshaws and prepare an action plan for their smooth operation. The RTA also took a decision to open the permits to the general public under a transparent process in public interest. In order to promote tourism in the State, the RTA decided to grant additional permits for vehicles that carry tourists on a jungle safari in Rajaji National Park as per the department’s policy.
