No More ‘Nahi Jayega’: Mumbai to Sideline 28,814 Reluctant Cab and Auto Drivers

As part of a massive crackdown on errant public transport operators, the Mumbai traffic police have initiated the process of cancelling the driving licences of 28,814 autorickshaw and taxi drivers for refusing to take passengers on short-distance journeys. This follows a special enforcement drive between April 18 and May 2 against drivers who violated traffic rules.

Throughout the two-week campaign, authorities gave a total of 48,417 challans (penalty receipts) to auto and taxi drivers for a range of violations. Most of these-28,814-were for refusal to ply specifically, while other offenses were not wearing uniforms (1,164 challans), carrying excess passengers (6,268 challans), and other miscellaneous offenses (12,171 challans). The drive yielded the collection of fines worth ₹40.25 lakh.

The authorities maintained that the process to cancel the licences of such drivers has already been set into motion at the Regional Transport Offices (RTOs). The move is aimed at curbing the widespread trend of drivers spurning short-distance fares, a long-standing issue of grievance for Mumbai's commuters.

Source: Hindustan Times