Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 7: The auto-rickshaw drivers operating across the city today urged the authorities to ensure that newly started e-rickshaws operate only on the designated 73 routes. They claim that the violation of this rule is severely affecting their livelihood.
Scores of auto rickshaws assembled near Chattabal, close to the RTO office, raising slogans in support of their demands. They alleged that the concerned authorities’ orders regarding the routes are not being followed, leading to a negative impact on their operations.
“We have been urging the RTO to listen to our issues and find a way out. Our work has been impacted as we see e-autos running beyond their designated routes,” said Javaid Ahmad, Secretary of the All Kashmir Auto Drivers Association. He added that they are facing the issue paying taxes and having the required permits to operate.
The protesting drivers accused the transport authorities of resorting to “divide and rule” tactics by comparing the e-autos and petrol-run autos and dealing with the stakeholders in such a way that it does not result in any resolution.
They clarified that both are not the same and despite the designated routes, the authorities are not taking appropriate action, leading to frustration among the auto drivers.
The aggrieved drivers pointed out that while e-autos do not possess any documents, they, in contrast, are required to carry nearly seven documents for their operation, for which they are paying regular amounts to the Government.
“The Government must clarify its intentions because, at present, we are even struggling to pay the instalments of the finances. It would be better to cancel all these mandatory documents, and we will operate just like the e-autos,” said Fayaz Ahmad Kumar, President of the All Kashmir Auto Drivers Association.
They urged the authorities to act promptly and ensure that e-rickshaws operate on designated routes without affecting their livelihood.
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