Authorities crack whip on auto-rickshaws plying without meters in Srinagar

Srinagar, Dec 3: Authorities have launched a drive against auto-rickshaws which are plying without meters in the summer capital.

Officials said that although the drive has been initiated, they will give a week-long window so that those who have not installed meters or have technical issues.

Over the past many years, Srinagarites have been decrying exorbitant fares that they have to pay in meter-less auto-rickshaws. They said that in absence of regulations, they have to pay huge amounts for short distances.

“So far, traffic authorities have failed to push operators to ensure installation of digital meters. We are facing huge inconvenience due to the exorbitant rates. For a few km, these auto rickshaws are charging 100-200 rupees, and we are unable to say anything because there is no meter installed,” said Faiq Ahmad, a passenger.

An official from traffic police said that they have started the drive with a special focus on meterless autos. “We carried out the drive at various places in Srinagar today. We will ensure that the meters are used by auto-rickshaw owners,” the official said.

The passengers said that amid winter, most of the public transport is off the roads at sunset. They said amid scarce cabs and buses, most people rely on auto-rickshaws.

“The office goers and students are left stranded, and sometimes they have to board an auto, but amid huge charges, they are left in the lurch. Amid the absence of meters, passengers end up paying multiple times more than the actual fare,” said an office goer.

SSP Traffic Srinagar city Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that they will give a week-long window so that those with any technical and related issue can fix the meters and ensure those are operating well.

“However, the drive will continue, and strict action will be taken against those who are not charging passengers as per meter. We will continue the drives so that passengers will not have to pay hefty sums,” the SSP said.