In a decisive move to tackle traffic congestion, the Ranchi transport and traffic departments issued a stern warning to auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw associations on Tuesday. The authorities have given them a one-week deadline to prevent unauthorised parking at road crossings across the city, failing which action will be initiated under the stringent Motor Vehicle Act.
Key Directives from High-Level Meeting
The ultimatum was delivered during a crucial meeting attended by SP (Traffic) Rakesh Singh, District Transport Officer Ahilesh Kumar, and other senior police officials. They met with representatives from various auto and e-rickshaw unions to communicate the government's new orders.
Explaining the rationale, SP Rakesh Singh stated that a major new rule mandates the display of driver and owner information on the vehicles themselves. Names and mobile numbers must be printed clearly on both the front and back of every auto-rickshaw and e-rickshaw. "This step would deter the drivers from behaving rudely with passengers or committing any crime in the city," Singh emphasised.
Uniforms, Data Collection, and Route Rationalisation
The administration's plan extends beyond just parking and identification. Initially, there was a proposal to have the contact details printed on the drivers' uniforms, but the associations did not agree to this. A compromise was reached with the current directive for vehicle display.
In a significant push for organised operations, the administration has also requested the associations to provide detailed data on the number of vehicles plying on various routes. This data will be used to rationalise operations, potentially diverting vehicles from overcrowded areas to others with less service. Following this, the authorities plan to fix specific routes for each auto and e-rickshaw.
Furthermore, the drive for standardisation includes a strict dress code. The administration has asked unions to ensure that auto-rickshaw drivers wear khaki uniforms, while e-rickshaw drivers must wear blue.
Unions Promise Cooperation Amidst New Proposals
While the one-week deadline on parking is immediate, the administration has sought the opinions of the associations on several other traffic regulation proposals. The unions have been given a two-week window to submit their feedback.
Dinesh Soni, founder of the Jharkhand Pradesh CNG Auto Chalak Mahasangh, who was present at the meeting, struck a cooperative note. "We will cooperate with the administration to improve the traffic movement in the state capital," Soni said. "We have to give our opinions on the various proposals within two weeks."
The combined measures represent a comprehensive effort by the Ranchi administration to bring order to the city's often chaotic traffic flow, directly addressing issues of passenger safety, driver accountability, and road congestion.
