AGARTALA, August 4 (TIWN): In blatant violation of the norms of Transport Department to take 3 passengers only in the passengers’ seat, a number of CITU backed auto-rickshaw drivers could not help resorting to overloading and no action on the part of administration has been noticed yet. Passengers demanded to mount metre in auto-rickshaws.

The overloading very often leads to scuffle between driver and passengers, but in vain. Most of the passengers have to face harassment. According to the auto-rickshaw drivers, they have to suffer loss if they take 3 passengers’ only. Hence, they resort to overloading. Such cases are more apparent at Unakoti district. In the entire Unakoti district, the passengers have to give additional fare, availing the routes- Fatikroy-Kumarghat and Kumarghat Railway Station. The passengers travelling 2 to 3 km in auto-rickshaw have to give a fare of Rs 10.

Furthermore, throwing the rules to winds, the auto-rickshaws carry 5 to 7 passengers. Allegations were raised that the police administration though takes action against bike riders, but after circulation of the notice to carry 3 passengers, are playing the role of mute spectators. The auto-rickshaw drivers are taking the opportunity. Passengers placed demands to mount metre in auto-rickshaws and threatened to go for upheaval against administration failing to fulfil the demands.

 Noteworthy, due to the negligence of Transport department, the auto-rickshaws since days have violated traffic norms and resort to overloading and fare hike. Whenever, any passenger objects, drivers say that they should board other means of transport and misbehave with them.  The department should look after the matter. Besides auto-rickshaw, if the other vehicles is found overloaded, department should take legal action against those vehicles.