RTO Kashmir orders auto rickshaws to install fare meters by July 31

SRINAGAR — The Regional Transport Officer (RTO) Kashmir has directed all three-wheeler (passenger) autos to ensure the installation of fare meters and their use by July 31, 2024, failing which their fitness certificate will be cancelled.

In a communication issued by RTO Kashmir, Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari, it is stated that it was noticed that three-wheeler (passenger) autos were plying in the City either without fare meters installed or fare meters were not put to use.

RTO Kashmir through communication to all the three-wheeler (passenger) auto unions has asked them to use their goodwill and all the three-wheeler (passenger) autos be strictly advised to install and use fare meters certified by the Legal Metrology Department by 31st of July 2024, failing which the fitness certificate of all such passenger autos shall be cancelled and that other penal provision under Motor Vehicle Act, CMVR and JK Motor Vehicle Rules shall be strictly imposed.

The communication has further mentioned that besides, all such cases will be referred to the Legal Metrology Department for action under the J&K Standards and Weights & Measures Act.

“This is despite the fact that all three-wheeler (passenger) autos are passed for fitness where a certified fare meter is a compulsory parameter, suggesting that fare meters are detached on the ground after passing the fitness test. Numerous complaints on the same violation have been received in this office through media and general administration,” states the communiqué.

As per the communication issued by the RTO, the move comes after numerous complaints from the public and media reports indicating widespread non-compliance with fare meter regulations.