GUWAHATI: A large group of e-rickshaw drivers staged a protest near the Inter-State Bus Terminal (ISBT) in Guwahati, Assam, on Tuesday to oppose a recent ban on their movement in 56 locations across the city.
The restrictions, implemented by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), have sparked widespread discontent among e-rickshaw drivers.
The protesting drivers submitted a memorandum to the transport department seeking a reversal. However, their attempt to march to the department’s office was intercepted by police intervention. Following this, the drivers staged a sit-in demonstration and later submitted a written petition to the transport department.
The leaders of the All Assam E-Rickshaw Drivers Union criticized the transport department for solely blaming e-rickshaws for traffic congestion in the city. The union claimed that such measures unfairly target e-rickshaw drivers.
A senior member of the union said, "If e-rickshaws are causing traffic problems, what about other vehicles that violate road rules? Why are larger commercial vehicles and unauthorized parking not being addressed? We are being singled out when we are simply trying to earn a livelihood."
Another protester added, "Many of us have taken loans to buy these e-rickshaws. If we are banned from key routes, how will we survive? The government must give us an alternative, not just a blanket ban."
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