Muzaffarpur Introduces Route, Zone System For Auto And E-Rickshaws; Vehicle Numbers Capped

To improve the city's traffic system, the Muzaffarpur administration has designated zones and routes for the operation of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws from December 20. The number of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws permitted on these routes has also been fixed. 

An order has been issued to display the zone and route numbers on the auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws, and a significant number have already been marked. The administration has requested the registration numbers of the vehicles operating on these routes from the Muzaffarpur Auto and E-Rickshaw Employees' Union. The union has prepared the data for all the routes, which is set to be submitted to the district administration on Tuesday. 

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Meanwhile, several questions have arisen regarding the new traffic system. With the number of vehicles fixed for each route, the biggest question concerns auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws that operate via online booking services. Several companies provide services throughout the city, raising the question of what the new regulations will be for them. It is unclear whether routes will also be fixed for them or if they will be free to travel on any route. 

The number of registered e-rickshaws in the district is over 10,000. The administration has set a limit of approximately 4,800 auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws for the designated routes and zones. This raises questions about how the remaining e-rickshaws will operate, and how the sale and registration of new ones will be managed. If new e-rickshaws are registered, it is unclear where and how they will be permitted to operate. 

District Transport Officer Kumar Satendra Yadav stated that action on all these points will be taken in accordance with the District Magistrate's orders. According to sources, the administration will maintain a record of the registration numbers of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws assigned to each route. Fines will be imposed, and action will be taken if violations are found during inspections. 

The DTO stated that further action will be taken after the list is provided by the union. Meanwhile, the union's president, AR Annu, and general secretary, Mohd. Ilyas Ilu confirmed that the data is being prepared and will be submitted to the administration soon. 

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After fixing the number of auto-rickshaws and e-rickshaws on city routes, the administration is preparing to crack down on underage drivers. The police and the transport department will soon launch a campaign in the city to take action against such drivers. 

The DTO stated that fines will be imposed on underage drivers and those operating auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and other vehicles without a driving licence. There is a provision for a fine of Rs 25,000 to be levied on the guardian if a minor is found driving.