Siliguri, 28th July: City auto drivers staged a protest on Monday near the PC Mittal bus terminus on Siliguri’s Sevoke Road, parking their vehicles and demanding action against the alleged unauthorised operation of e-rickshaws in the area.
They alleged that e-rickshaws are operating freely from Salugara towards Bengal Safari without valid permits, which is severely impacting their livelihood. According to the drivers, while route-specific stickers had earlier been introduced by the administration to regulate e-rickshaw movement, enforcement has since lapsed.
They claimed that e-rickshaws from other routes are now violating rules by entering Sevoke Road and travelling beyond Salugara, reaching as far as Bengal Safari, despite not having the necessary clearance.
Drivers and owners from routes including Salugara, Sevoke Road, Venus More, Court More, NJP, and Fulbari participated in the protest, completely suspending city auto services.
The protesting drivers cautioned that if immediate action is not taken, they may halt city auto services indefinitely. They also stated that written complaints would be submitted to Bhakti Nagar Police Station, Bhakti Nagar Traffic Department, the Sub-Divisional Officer, and the RTO.