Violation of Rules By Erickshaws Rampant In Guwahati

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: Only about 1,200 of the around 12,000 erickshaws plying in Guwahati have their registration with the DTO (Registration), Kamrup (M). This is despite the standing rule that all erickshaws in the district should have registrations.

Thus, it has been amply clear that most of the erickshwas plying in Guwahati have been violating rules, that too, under the very nose of the administration.

A notification issued in the Assam Gazette on March 4, 2016 stated that ‘in exercise of the powers conferred by Sections 95, 96, 111 and 138 read with Sections 200, 211 and 212 of the Motor Vehicle Act, 1998 (Act number 59 of 1998) the Governor of Assam is hereby pleased to make the following rules to regulate the plying of (battery-operated) erickshaws and ecarts in the State of Assam’. This notification came into effect from April 1, 2016.

(1) Registration is a must for erickshaws. The registration mark of the battery-operated rickshaws for the last-mile connectivity in municipality areas and other semi-urban and panchayat areas of the State of Assam of a group of letter, to be followed by code number and not exceeding 4-figure to be used as certification mark. The facility for charging battery installed in the rickshaw should also be certified by the ASEB.

Erickshaws have been plying in Guwahati on routes which they are not allowed by the rules. Erickshaws are seen plying on the Rajgarh route that also has magic and trekkers, the GMCH route from Bhangagarh, to Basistha temple through lanes and sometimes through the main roads late in the evening, Six Mile to Barbari, Barbari to Ganeshguri, and various other routes in the city.

Also Read: Tinsukia District Authority Tightens Noose on E-Rickshaws