The Gramin Seva was launched to provide relief to commuters by providing last-mile connectivity, but the transport scheme has also turned into a major headache for the traffic police.
According to police, 54,083 autorickshaws running under Gramin Seva were booked in 2011 for violating rules. Violations range range from running without a permit to putting underage drivers in charge.
“There are serious problems with the scheme. These autorickshaws have permits of operating on dedicated routes. But many of them have been plying beyond prescribed routes. They have been fined regularly for carrying more passengers than the maximum capacity. We have prosecuted them heavily last year and will continue to do so in 2012 if they do not follow rules,” said Satyendra Garg, Joint CP (Traffic).
In 2011, a total of 9,886 challans were issued against these vehicles for permit violations alone. Another 5,671 vehicles were booked for plying without registration. Showing no respect for traffic rules and safety of passengers, some auto-owners put people below the legal driving age at the wheel: 4,920 were fined for this.
Traffic police officials said unlike in the past, the transport department did not consult the city police before issuing licences under the scheme. “No feedback was sought from the traffic police about deciding on the number of vehicles on a particular route and halting points of the vehicles,” Garg said.
Apart from permit violations, 11,436 Gramin Seva vehicles were fined for dangerous driving and 810 autos were booked last year for overcrowding. With the vehicles running overcrowded, the lives of commuters are at the mercy of the uncaring operators.
While in most cases, fine was slapped against the violators, 9,578 vehicles were also impounded by the traffic police. Transport department officials concede that certain lacunae have crept into the scheme, but they say efforts are being made to streamline the service.
“The department is seized of the matter and steps are being taken to tighten the loose ends. While there have been several complaints against the operators, one can’t deny the fact that the service is proving convenient for many people. The enforcement cell has been running a special drive to contain errant operators,” said P K Gupta, Special Commissioner (Transport).
In 2011, fines were slapped against 1,194 drivers for driving without licences.
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