The Supreme Court, in one of its judgements, had fixed the number of auto-rickshaws plying in Delhi to 55,000. As a fall-out, new autos can only be purchased when older ones are phased out.
Despite government's attempt to nail illegal auto-rickshaws running in the national capital, an estimated 2,000 autos with Uttar Pradesh registration are
in operation here with counterfeit number plates.
The racketeers in a bid to hoodwink the police do not ply long distances for fear of being caught by traffic police but are limiting themselves to residential areas and shopping markets such as Connaught Place.
According to the auto drivers, more money is made by plying on such routes than running around the city.
"Commuters usually don't mind paying anywhere between Rs20 and Rs30 for short distances. More money is made by plying in market areas," Ravi Kisan, an auto driver said.
Explaining the modus operandi, he said "The autos are registered in Uttar Pardesh which levies lesser fees and are then painted with Delhi number plates. The autos run in limited areas otherwise there are chances of being caught by traffic policemen."
NyayaBhoomi, a NGO working for the betterment of auto-rickshaw drivers agree that the problem exists.
"There are a number of rickshaws running in an unauthorised manner here. We, as an NGO are coordinating with the police to stop such illegal activities which are usually restricted to border areas," NyayaBhoomi secretary Rakesh Agarwal said.
He said on a rough estimate there are about 1500-2000 such autos plying on Delhi roads.
The police said they are taking steps to check it.
"We have recently written a letter to the Transport Commissioner asking him to take necessary steps to check such unauthorised vehicles in the state. We have also asked our men to keep an eye out for such autos and impound them immediately when found and take necessary actions. Special monitoring is
being done along the borders," Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Ajay Chadha told PTI.
According to auto drivers, one of the reasons for plying illegal autos is also the Supreme Court decision restricting issuance of new auto permits.
"New people who want to ply autos here cannot do so. The only option left is to get it registered in neighbouring state," an auto driver said.
The Supreme Court, in one of its judgements, had fixed the number of auto-rickshaws plying in Delhi to 55,000. As a fall-out, new autos can only be purchased when older ones are phased out.
One of the ways of phasing out autos is through the scrapping unit which issues certificates to each auto-owner who brings autos for scrapping out. On the basis of this certificate, owners can purchase new autos.
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