Autorickshaws in Kodagu can now travel up to 15 km

RTA responds positively to autorickshaw drivers' demand

The distance to which the autorickshaws can commute has been extended to 15 km.The decision was taken during the Regional Transport Authority meeting, presided by the deputy commissioner at the DC’s office in Madikeri on Thursday.

Earlier, the autoricksaws in Kushalnagar could cover upto a distance of 15 km while in other parts of the district, it was 10 km. The decision comes in the wake of the request made by the Autorickshaw Owners’ Association.

President of the Autorickshaw Owners Association Medappa, who was present in the meeting, urged the officials to extend the limit for autorickshaws in all places to 20 km while private bus owners demanded not to extend the limit to 20 km. Finally, the limit has been increased to 15 km.

The private buses will have lesser passengers if the limit is extended. When there are no bus facilities, autorickshaws ferry passengers beyond the limit, said Private Bus owners’ Association Hosuru Joyappa and office bearer Puttaswamy.

Members of the Association said that passengers from other places arriving at the city in night, women, elderly and people who are ill depend on autorickshaws. During some road mishaps, autorickshaws will not be covered under insurance due to the limit. Hence, the distance should be increased, they said.

Bus facility

The tourism department has requested to start city transport to the tourist spots Bhagamandala and Talacauvery, via Madikeri and Abbi falls. KSRTC should introduce the bus facility as per the license, the DC said and directed the officials to conduct a survey in this regard.

Superintendent of Police Varthika Katiyar, Regional Transport Secretary Ramakrishna Ayyangar and Regional Transport Department Manager Shivanna was present.