The case to remove auto-rickshaws off Indian roads
- In Society
- 09:49 PM, Feb 26, 2016
- Prathap Krishnan
The auto-rickshaw is perhaps the one vehicle that is considered a boon and a bane at the same time by the general public. This three wheeler, more often than not, provides the last mile connectivity in many cities across India for those using public transport. However, it is also a source of great irritation, just for the way it is designed if not anything else. Countless number of times, this writer has come across auto rickshaws poking their noses into gaps they just do not belong (the drivers of course, conveniently forget that the rear of the vehicle is wider than the front) causing instantaneous traffic snarls. This reason alone is probably sufficient to get rid of auto-rickshaws from the roads and change them to four wheelers. However, before making the switch to four wheelers, there are a few teething issues that needs to be addressed.
According to data from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, in 2012, the number of vehicles classified under ‘others’ stood at 13169000 [1]. The others include – auto-rickshaws, trucks, trailers etc. On a conservative estimate, let us assume that the number of auto-rickshaws is around 20% which translates to about 26 lakh in numbers. At least, 26 lakh people who need to adapt to a new way of making a living. So, as a natural consequence of a notification of removal, politicians (especially left-leaning ones) are bound to create a field day raising hell as to how the Government can impinge on the rights of auto drivers to make a living. That is one concern that needs addressing before others.
If the move is going to be implemented in one go, sadly, given the current dynamics of political landscape in the country, the writer sees only one way out of this problem. Replacement of autos to new four wheelers has to be effectively done at zero cost to the end user. Assuming the replacement vehicle is the Bajaj RE60 Quadricycle priced at about two lakh [2], the amount of money needed for such an exercise would rival some of the biggest scams in this country and almost makes it irrelevant to even discuss the issue. However, there might be a way out. The Government can ban production and sale of new three wheelers instead. This will result in a gradual reduction of auto-rickshaws; say over a period of 10 years which may be acceptable. The process can be potentially accelerated by enforcing emission norms and offering owners whose vehicles fail the emission test a choice between paying a hefty fine or taking very low interest loans (the Government has to come up with such a scheme) to switch to four wheelers.
However, there is a bigger question. Are the general public (the customers), willing to shift from auto-rickshaws to four wheelers? The few people the writer has talked to, especially women, seem to feel more comfortable, hiring an auto while travelling alone late evening as opposed to a call taxi. While one might argue that it is just a matter of getting used to travelling by taxi, the potential distress that removal of auto-rickshaws can cause is difficult to ignore. What then is the solution? The Bajaj RE 60 Quadricycle, which is similar to a car, may not be the answer. However, is it possible to have such a vehicle sans the doors? Now, before all the auto enthusiasts jump up in unison with the – it will affect stiffness, crash worthiness, chassis balance etc.- argument, let me hasten to add that the vehicle that we are comparing to – the auto-rickshaw, hardly boasts of any of these desired qualities. In fact, there appears to be no safety standard which the current auto-rickshaws need to pass in order to sell. The replacement however, can be subjected to such standards developed specifically for this particular class of vehicles. Therefore, an open door four wheeler could well hit two mangoes with one stone, as the saying goes.
Having addressed the concerns with the vehicle, the next hurdle is driving licenses. It is not clear if the current licenses can be used for a quadricycle [2]. The Government can upgrade the current licenses without cost to the drivers after a test, if necessary. This way, the resistance to change could well be minimized to a large extent.
Finally, a look at the positives the removal of auto-rickshaws could bring to Indian roads. First, the replacement, as a four wheeler, it would lend some uniformity to traffic, since the width of the vehicle is nearly constant along the length of the vehicle and drivers less inclined to barge into non-existent gaps. Second, safety of the passengers will improve, as 4 wheelers are in general less prone to roll over. Additionally, seat belts and hard tops will provide increased safety, even if a roll over occurs. If seat belts are enforced, overloading of passengers can also be avoided, although this is bound to be a bit of a challenge. Third, there is an excellent chance of reduced emission levels, and consequently, reduction in atmospheric pollution as newer vehicles will have to pass emission norms which are getting stiffer by the year. Considering these factors, there seems to be an overwhelming case to get rid of the three wheeled vehicles for good. Well, maybe retain a few for tourist purposes, operated in a controlled environment!
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