Erring Rameswaram auto drivers warned of action

Auto-rickshaw drivers in Rameswaram, a holy pilgrimage site in Ramanathapuram district, have been warned of severe action if they violate rules and inconvenience the public.

Over thousand auto-rickshaws were plying at Rameswaram, where scores of pilgrims from various parts of the country and world keep thronging.

Among the auto-rickshaw fleet, only some of the vehicles had been running with valid license and drivers of most of the fleet were not in possession of driving license.

Moreover, the Ramanathapuram police received complaints that the auto drivers had been according priority to tourists with vested interests to board them from Rameswaram railway station, but much to agony, of the local passengers. Local residents were finding it difficult to hire auto-rickshaws.

Besides, passengers who wait at Rameswaram bus stand had also been facing a tough time since auto-rickshaw drivers keep using horns at high decibel and competing with one another to pick them up. It could be a threat to safety of passengers.

Many auto-drivers had also been facing complaints of causing inconvenience to the public and tourists as well at bus stops, including Maruthupandiar statue, West Tower Gate and Thittakudi. Further, drivers were found violating the Motor Vehicles Act as auto-rickshaws were overloaded with passengers and engaged in rash and negligent driving. Most drivers don’t use proper uniform too.

Citing all such violations, Varun Kumar, Ramanathapuram SP, issued warning that if such behaviours continue and the police found any auto driver in the wrong, that auto-rickshaw would be seized and produced before court. The SP also added that similar drive would be effected in other parts across the district.