Bandipora, July 1(KNS): Commuters in Bandipora have raised serious concerns over what they describe as rampant overcharging by passenger auto-rickshaws, alleging that some operators are charging as much as ?200 for a journey of barely two kilometres, with no official fare regulation or enforcement in sight.

 

Residents claim that the absence of approved fare lists, routine inspections, and effective regulation has left passengers, particularly students, employees, and daily wage earners, at the mercy of transport operators.

 

Locals allege that neither passenger autos nor battery-operated rickshaws display fare charts, and that fares often increase arbitrarily during evening hours. They say passengers are forced to pay inflated charges due to a lack of transport alternatives and weak enforcement.

 

Adding to public inconvenience, several unauthorised auto and Sumo stands are reportedly operating across the town. Residents said an auto stand functioning directly outside the District Hospital Bandipora frequently blocks the hospital's main entrance, creating traffic congestion and causing inconvenience to ambulances, patients, and attendants.

 

The Kaloosa Sumo Stand has also become a major traffic bottleneck, with long queues of vehicles causing severe congestion, particularly during evening peak hours. Locals further alleged that a Sumo stand operating on the upper side of Bandipora's main market is functioning illegally, and despite designated parking and stand facilities being available, many Sumo operators continue to park and pick up passengers on the main road, worsening traffic congestion and creating inconvenience for pedestrians and motorists alike.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

Students, office-goers, and other commuters reportedly remain stranded in traffic jams almost every morning and evening due to the growing traffic chaos.

 

Residents further alleged that traffic management in Bandipora town has virtually collapsed, with no visible regulation, no checks on passenger fares, and little action against unauthorised transport operations.

 

The situation has sparked criticism of the ARTO Bandipora Office, with commuters questioning why fare regulations have not been enforced and why illegal stands continue to operate despite repeated public complaints. They urged the authorities to immediately conduct inspections, crack down on violations, ensure public transport operators use only authorised stands, and display approved fare lists for every route across the district.

 

Locals have demanded that the district administration, Traffic Police, and the ARTO Office jointly launch a comprehensive drive against overcharging, illegal stands, roadside passenger boarding, and traffic violations to restore order and protect commuters from alleged exploitation.

 

Repeated attempts to contact the ARTO Bandipora for comments were unsuccessful.(KNS).