Delhi’s Auto Rickshaws Get a Safety Upgrade: GPS Tracking Made Mandatory
In a bid to enhance passenger and driver safety, the Delhi Transport Department has rolled out a new mandate for auto rickshaw drivers in the capital: GPS tracking installation is now non-negotiable. With approximately 75,000 auto rickshaws navigating Delhi’s bustling streets, this directive aims to bring a new level of security and regulation to the industry. However, despite the rule’s inception in 2020, only a fraction of auto rickshaw operators have adhered to this vital requirement.
Delhi Transport Department Increases Pressure on Auto Drivers
Championing the cause of passenger safety, the Delhi Transport Department has intensified its efforts to enforce GPS tracking installation among auto rickshaw drivers. Over the past year, the department faced challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and various hardships experienced by drivers. Nonetheless, the government has stepped up its game, dispatching notices to auto rickshaw operators, imploring them to expedite GPS tracking installation. The overarching goal is to protect both passengers and drivers in the bustling metropolis.
Auto Drivers Seek Government Aid for GPS Tracking Compliance
Auto rickshaw drivers have voiced their concerns about the financial burden of acquiring SIM cards and data connections from broadband service providers, which has discouraged them from complying with the GPS tracking mandate. They argue that the government should explore avenues for subsidies or negotiate cost-effective rates with these service providers. Kishan Verma, a representative of an auto organization, has suggested that numerous companies offer budget-friendly data packages, which the government should consider to facilitate compliance within the auto driver community.
Consequences Loom for Non-Compliant Auto Drivers
Auto rickshaw operators who fail to adhere to the GPS tracking requirement could face penalties. These penalties are closely tied to the annual fitness test that auto rickshaws must undergo, during which GPS tracking becomes mandatory. In response to some drivers only activating their GPS during this test while keeping it dormant for the remainder of the year, the government is taking a more stringent stance to combat the rising number of accidents on the streets of Delhi.
