GUWAHATI: Guwahati is currently grappling with a significant traffic problem caused by several factors, one of them being the unauthorised operation of electric rickshaws on main roads and highways.
Despite clear regulations prohibiting their presence in areas, e-rickshaw drivers have been flouting the rules, resulting in massive traffic congestion and mounting complaints from frustrated commuters.
According to the existing guidelines, electric rickshaws are exclusively meant for last-mile connectivity in areas lacking adequate public transportation options.
However, numerous drivers have been seen disregarding these restrictions, not only plying on major roads but also parking their vehicles along highways.
This blatant violation of the law has severely hampered the daily commute for many residents, leading to widespread inconvenience.
As per reports, the local residents of Lokhra primarily rely on public vans and buses for their transportation needs.
They have expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent surge in traffic congestion caused by the influx of electric rickshaws.
The situation has reached such a critical point that employees who heavily rely on daily commuting for their jobs have registered formal complaints with the authorities, emphasising the negative impact on their livelihoods.
Jayesh Mittal, a shopkeeper in Lokhra has shed light on the issue, pointing out that e-rickshaws are predominantly visible during evening hours. However, they tend to gather in Lokhra or occasionally come from Dakhingaon during the daytime.
The highway area is in a state of chaos due to ongoing construction, with the roads in critical condition.
A source in the District Transport Office (DTO), Kamrup Metro while talking to G Plus said, "We frequently monitor the situations, but currently, due to the lack of manpower we are having difficulty."
He also mentioned that most of the drivers don't have proper registration and license.
The DTO official further stated that a maximum of the drivers don't belong from here and come from other districts.
The need of the hour is for regulation by the authorities in the compliance and plying of these e-rickshaws in the city.
