Auto, e-rickshaw causing traffic congestion in Haridwar

Haridwar: Long queues of vehicles causing traffic snarls have become a common sight in the pilgrimage city. The situation turns for worse during the tourist season when a large number of vehicles enter the city cramming the roads.
Notably, non-regulation of auto and e-rickshaw movements is among the major reasons behind the traffic woes of the city.Currently, there are over 2,000 registered autos and over 1,000 registered e-rickshaws operational on various routes of the city. However, sources have revealed that the number may be much higher as many unregistered e-rickshaws and autos also ply on city roads.
Despite such a large number of autos and e-rickshaws running on the city roads, the administration has not yet notified routes for them. The stretch connecting Jawalapur town to SIDCUL industrial area is the worst affected where traffic congestion is reported almost every day due to autos and e-rickshaws.
Speaking to TOI, Abhay Singh, CO Haridwar city, said, “The RTO has issued them licences without notifying routes. So, we cannot refrain auto and e-rickshaw drivers from operating on a particular route. They have the permission to operate within a 30 km radius, which covers the entire city. However, we have converted the road connecting Devpura to main post office into a one-way route to decongest the stretch. We ensure strict action against those who violate traffic rules.”
Further, adding to the transport woes of the city are the old and unfit autos plying the city roads. These autos are not only prone to accidents but also release a large quantity of harmful fumes contaminating the city’s air. Many residents also complain that the auto and e-rickshaw drivers charge exorbitantly and there is an urgent need to fix their per-kilometre fare.
Commenting on the issue, Vishal Garg, social activist, told TOI, “Haridwar is not a big city and there are no alternative routes available to get to a particular place. Thus, the city can get rid of traffic jams only when the movement of autos and e-rickshaws is regulated.”
Meanwhile, Manish Tiwari, ARTO Haridwar, told TOI, “There is no proposal to notify route plans for autos and e-rickshaws in the city so far. However, we are taking action against old and unfit autos on a regular basis.”