Maharashtra Cracks Down on Unsafe Rickshaws to Ensure Passenger Safety

Mumbai, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : Maharashtra has taken a firm stance against unsafe and illegal rickshaws operating on its roads. Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik has directed the Motor Vehicle Department to launch a special campaign aimed at tackling these unsafe vehicles by October 5. He emphasized that no rickshaw endangering passengers’ lives should be allowed on the streets.

During a special meeting at the Transport Commissioner’s office, attended by Commissioner Rajesh Narvekar and leaders from various rickshaw and taxi unions, the minister addressed ongoing complaints about scrapped rickshaws being reintroduced onto the roads using fraudulent documentation.

Sarnaik stated, “Rickshaws operating illegally pose a serious threat to passenger safety. Ensuring the safety of passengers is our top priority, and there will be no leniency towards illegal and dangerous vehicles.”

He instructed officials to conduct thorough inspections of rickshaws that have been declared scrapped, checking for illegal re-registration and violations of regulations. Strict penalties, including vehicle confiscation, will be enforced against those found in violation.

The minister has ordered all Regional Transport Offices (RTOs) to effectively implement this campaign in their respective areas. They are also required to submit a report on the actions taken by the October 5 deadline.

Rickshaw organizations have expressed their support for this initiative, acknowledging that a few illegal vehicles tarnish the image of the entire auto industry. They agreed that only authorized, properly maintained, and safe vehicles should be permitted to operate on the roads.

In major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur, a significant number of scrapped rickshaws are reportedly running without permits or fitness certifications. Common issues include faulty brakes, damaged bodies, and malfunctioning meters, which increase the risk of accidents. The government’s decision to clamp down on these vehicles is expected to enhance road safety significantly.