DIMAPUR, MAY 14 (MExN): The Regional Transport Authority (RTA), Dimapur today issued a clarification to the concerns aired by the Dimapur District Auto rickshaw Drivers Association (DADU) regarding seating capacity of autorickhaws.
A press note from the RTA, Dimapur said that seating capacity of any vehicle is determined by the Testing agencies such as the Automotive regulatory Association of India (ARAI), International Centre for Automotive Technical (ICAT), Vehicle Research & Development Establishment (VRDE) etc under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. This is then approved by the State Transport Authority, Government of Nagaland and such vehicles are registered according to the approved seating capacity by the State Transport Authority, Government of Nagaland.
The RTA asked owners & drivers to refer to the seating capacity and allotted route in the Registration Certificate and Permit).
The RTA informed that auto rickshaws plying within Dimapur district have been ferrying passengers beyond the approved seating capacity, which is in contravention to Sec. 21(10) 123 125 MV act of 1988. “Hence, auto rickshaw Drivers complying to rules & regulation does not arise,” it added.
It meanwhile also informed that “revision of auto rickshaw fare is a normal practice and can be enforced any time as and when need arises, keeping in view passenger’s interest.” It therefore said that the DDADU “should act more responsible rather than imposing ban/strike or publishing intimidation to the concerned authority.”
