First anomaly detected in calibration process — meter meant for 2-stroke rickshaw found in 4-stroke one
The sheer scale of testing freshly calibrated meters within the 45-day deadline is taking a toll on Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) as well as the various technical colleges that conduct the testing.
The latest discovery made in the testing process is that in case a meter programmed for a two-stroke autorickshaw is fitted into a 4-stroke one, the driver stands to earn almost 20-25% higher fare, thanks to the difference in the pulse rates of the two vehicles.
The first such anomaly has already come to the notice of the transport department after a 4-stroke autorickshaw with a meter meant for 2-stroke vehicles was disqualified at Andheri RTO's Goregaon test track a couple of days ago.
Explaining the anomaly, those in the trade said this happens because a meter meant for a 4-stroke vehicle throws up 1,720 pulse for every kilometre travelled, while in a meter meant for 2-stroke autorickshaws, the pulse over a kilometre would be 1,360.
"So, simply put, the meter meant for a 2-stroke rickshaw, if fitted into a 4-stroke one, would 'cover' a kilometre faster and, in the process, overcharge the commuter," said an official from a leading meter manufacturer.
For the authorities the confusion is getting bigger by the day. Baja Auto, which has a 98% market share in the autorickshaw sector, makes both 2-stroke and 4-stroke vehicles, and, with the introduction of its new Compact series of autorickshaws, the city has both old and new versions of 2-stroke and 4-stroke autorickshaws.
The unions, meanwhile, say the issue is big enough to get even honest drivers in trouble. Speaking to dna, Thampi Kurian of Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union said, "What if the meter repairer by mistake puts in a 2-stroke meter in a 4-stroke vehicle? The driver will not know it, and there is every chance of him being pulled up for a 'fast' meter, leading to his permit being cancelled. The RTOs as well as the technical colleges must thoroughly test each meter so that this problem is nipped in the bud."
For authorities, the numbers are a headache. "Currently, there are 47 motor vehicle inspectors and 20 assistant inspectors with the three RTOs — Wadala, Tardeo and Andheri. At any point of time, around 50% of this staff is employed for meter testing. The number of autorickshaws and taxis coming in for testing is in thousands. It is getting tougher by the day," said a senior transport official.
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