Auto-rickshaws given 20 days to recalibrate metres

Srinagar, Nov 1: Traffic Police on Thursday gave auto-rickshaw drivers 20 days to install and recalibrate meters in their vehicles, even as the latter have sought more time.
“It has been brought into the notice of Traffic Police authorities that auto rickshaws plying in Srinagar city charge the passengers exorbitantly and they have not recalibrated their meters as per the latest rates enumerated by state motor vehicle department,” reads a communiqué issued by SSP Traffic.
“All auto rickshaw operators are hereby informed to recalibrate their meters within 20 days, otherwise strict action as per M V Act will be initiated against the violators.”
President Kashmir Auto-Rickshaw Drivers Association, Showkat Ahmad, said so far only 1,500 meters have been recalibrated.
“Around 80,000 meters are to be recalibrated. At least we need two more months,” he said.
He said auto-rickshaw drivers were finding the process of recalibration hectic, as the designated four centres in the city were not providing “good service”.
“Four centres are there, one at Magarmal Bagh, another at Sheeraz Chowk, and the other two at Karan Nagar and Ikhwan Chowk. These centres are not giving good services. They charge as per the will,”he said.
“At the Metrological Department also, we have been facing hardships.”
General Secretary of the association, Farooq Ahmad, said amid non-availability of the necessary parts, the recalibration has been taking time.
“Several parts are to be brought from outside, and they take time to reach here. We all know the situation prevailing in the valley,” he said.
The authorities have fixed Rs 33 as fare for first two kilometers and Rs 14 thereafter, he said.