Dimapur, May 14 (EMN): The district administration of Dimapur has asked the auto rickshaw community to behave more responsibly over the issue of the public transport allegedly contravening statutes that ensure safety of passengers.
The Regional Transport Authority of Dimapur issued a press release on Sunday reminding that the auto rickshaws plying within Dimapur district have been carrying passengers beyond the approved seating capacity. This, the district authorities warned was in contravention of Sec. 21(10) 123 125 MV Act of 1988.
The authorities have brushed aside the claims of the auto rickshaw drivers “complying to rules and regulations.’
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) referred to what it stated was a press release of the ‘DDADU’ regarding seating capacity of auto rickshaws.
The RTA made clear that the seating capacity of any vehicle has been determined by the Testing agencies such as Automotive regulatory Association of India (ARAI), International centre for automotive technology (ICAT) Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) etc., under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
It is then approved by the State Transport Authority, Government of Nagaland. ‘Such vehicles’ are then registered according to the approved seating capacity by the State Transport Authority, the notice stated. For instance: Mahindra Minidor (II) (6+1) Mahindra Champion Deluxe (6+1) Mahindra Minidor (II) DI (5+1)Mahindra Alfa 1.5M (3+1) Mahindra Alfa PAX Champ & Comfy (3+1) Bajaj autos' (3+1)
Owners and drivers are told to read about the seating capacity and allotted routes in the registration certificates and permit.
‘However, auto rickshaw plying within Dimapur district have been ferrying passengers beyond the approved seating capacity, which is in contravention to Sec. 21(10) 123 125 MV act of 1988. Hence, auto rickshaw drivers complying to rules and regulation does not arise,’ the RTA stated.
The authorities informed to have discussed the matter at length at the RTA’s meeting that was held on the 20th of May with the DDADU members and conveyed its decision that revision of auto rickshaw fare was a normal practice and can be enforced any time as and when need arises, keeping in view of passengers interest.
‘Hence, DDADU should act more responsible rather than imposing ban / strike or publishing intimidation to the concern authority,’ the RTA cautioned.
The press release was appended by the deputy commissioner, also chairman of the Regional Transport Authority of Dimapur.
