Noida to Remove 1,000 Auto Rickshaws for Permit and Fitness Violations

Noida: In a significant move aimed at improving road safety and reducing pollution, the Noida Transport Department has initiated a process to remove 1,000 auto rickshaws from the city’s roads. These auto rickshaws are being targeted due to their failure to renew permits and undergo mandatory fitness checks. Among these, over 400 vehicles have already crossed the 15-year operational limit.

According to the Transport Department, there are over 19,000 registered auto rickshaws in the district. Out of these, approximately 1,000 auto rickshaws have not undergone fitness checks or permit renewals, putting them in violation of safety regulations. The continued operation of these vehicles poses significant risks, including potential accidents and increased pollution.

Safety and Compliance Concerns

Dr. Siyaram Verma, ARTO (Administration), emphasized the importance of following regulations, stating that driving vehicles without valid fitness certificates and permits endangers lives. “Vehicles that do not meet safety standards are prone to accidents, which can be fatal for passengers,” he warned. He also mentioned that registrations of vehicles that have crossed their operational limits have already been suspended, with plans underway to cancel them permanently.

In addition to the removal process, a crackdown on non-compliant vehicles is being conducted through regular inspections. If any of these vehicles are found operating on the roads despite their registrations being canceled, they will be seized, and strict legal action will be taken against their owners and drivers.

Extortionist Arrested for Threatening Auto Drivers in Ghaziabad

Meanwhile, in a related development, police in Ghaziabad’s Vijay Nagar area have arrested an individual accused of extorting money from auto rickshaw drivers under threat of violence. The accused, identified as Aamir, allegedly demanded ₹2,500 per month from tempo drivers, threatening to break their legs if they refused to pay.

ACP Kotwali Ritesh Tripathi stated that the arrest was made following a tip-off from e-rickshaw driver Imran, who revealed Aamir’s extortion activities. Several other drivers corroborated the accusations during the investigation. A case of extortion has been registered, and Aamir has been sent to jail.