Overloading, underage drivers make e-rickshaws dangerous for passengers

Srinagar:, July 28: In absence of regulation, underage drivers operate e-rickshaws in various areas of the summer capital posing risk of accidents to passengers and commuters.

A group of passengers said since the introduction of e-rickshaws in Srinagar, overloading and underage driving have been rampant. They said unless authorities take drastic measures to address the issue, passengers will continue to be at risk.

Many passengers said that there have been scores of accidents that led to deaths and countless injuries due to overloading and underage driving. They said the bad state of roads in Srinagar is adding to the problem, and on a daily basis, these e-rickshaws are facing accidents in the city.

“These e-rickshaws were introduced for the ease of travel, and we agree that there has been some respite. However, unless rules and regulations are not followed strictly, we will continue to face issues. It is highly risky when there is overloading in these e-rickshaws as there have been a number of accidents where these e-rickshaws turned turtle. Now the issue of underage driving has also increased, and traffic police should take notice of this,” said Fayaz Ahmad, a passenger.

The passengers also appealed to authorities to tackle the issue of overcharging by e-rickshaws in Srinagar. They said the rickshaw owners are charging as per their choice which is taking a toll on them.

“We are already pestered by the overcharging of Auto Rickshaws and now we thought that these e-rickshaws will bring some respite. Initially, they started by charging 10 rupees per person, then 20-30 rupees, and now there are different rates. This is another issue faced by us. We hope that all the issues will be addressed accordingly so that travel will be made safe for us and it will also be easy on our pockets,” said Manzoor Ahmad, a local from Srianagr.

SSP Traffic Srinagar City Muzaffar Ahmad Shah said that they have started special drives against e-rickshaws in Srinagar and seized dozens of them for violation of rules.

“The drive will continue so that these issues don’t affect passengers. Over the past few weeks, we have intensified drives against e-rickshaws, two-wheelers, and tippers. All kinds of these issues are being addressed, and erring individuals are facing the law accordingly. We are also coordinating with volunteers from NGOs to make it more effective. In addition to special drives, we are making all the stakeholders aware of the issues. We hope that people will also cooperate and the travel for them will become safer,” Shah said.