PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
In order to strengthen the traffic system and road safety in Dehradun city, the Transport department will verify the owners and drivers of Vikrams operating in the area. They will also assess the suitability and Physical conditions of the vehicles. This information was shared by the regional transport officer (Administration), Sandeep Saini.
He emphasised that road safety and improving the traffic system are crucial for the department. To ensure a safe and secure public transport service for women and senior citizens, the department has decided to conduct a verification of the owners and drivers of Vikrams. About 510 Vikrams operate within Dehradun city. To facilitate this process, the department has also prepared a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Saini said that before commencing the verification process, meetings will be held with the Vikram vehicle unions as well as the owners and drivers of Vikrams in the city. These meetings will take place within the next two to three days. During the meetings, owners and drivers along with individuals concerned, will be instructed to have their documents, including Aadhaar cards, permits and licenses, ready. They will also need to ensure that their vehicles are fit for operation and meet other requirements. Following the discussions, individuals will be given a timeframe of 10 days to prepare their documents and maintain their vehicles according to the outlined directions, he said.
He added that after this preparation period, the verification process for the drivers and owners of the Vikrams will take place at the Rangers Ground. The date for this verification will be announced soon. A verification committee has been formed, comprising the sub-divisional officer, police circle officer, divisional inspector and transport tax officer.
Saini said that during the verification, documents such as licenses, permits and fitness certificates will be reviewed. Counselling will also be provided for the owners and drivers of the Vikrams. Following this verification, ID cards will be issued to the drivers, which they will need to wear around their necks while driving. Additionally, stickers will be provided to the verified Vikrams which will be placed on their vehicles, indicating that the particular Vikram has been verified.
He said that earlier, the RTO ordered the removal of seats next to the driver. Considering this, the department will also verify these seats during the process, along with this, the drivers will also be informed to ensure they wear uniforms. Saini said that this verification step will significantly prevent many incidents and enhance road safety, particularly for women.
