Birbhum, 4 June (H.S.): In the last few years, the number of e-rickshaws (Totos) has increased significantly in Murarai, Nalhati, Rampurhat, Margram, Mayureshwar and Rampurhat Subdivision. Unemployed youths are driving Totos on the roads in the hope of earning a livelihood. This has benefited many people. But at the same time, traffic congestion has also increased. The number of rootless Totos has increased throughout the city. On the other hand, minor Toto drivers are seen everywhere. Road accidents are also increasing rapidly. Common people say that pedestrians are getting injured every day due to minor, unqualified and drunk Toto drivers. Two-three deaths have already occurred. Naturally, the uncontrolled operation of Totos has raised questions on the road safety of common people. Toto has been identified as an illegal vehicle since the beginning. Despite this, the number of Totos is increasing wildly. As a result, citizens have to face traffic jams every day. Along with this, people are angry due to accidents, drunk Toto driving, demanding higher fares. Now minor Toto drivers even resort to fighting with passengers. They are driving Totos on city and village roads as well as on national highways. Passengers are scared of what danger may occur. Murarai resident Iqbal Khan said, The number of minor Toto drivers is increasing day by day. Common people are often becoming victims of accidents. A few days ago, a person died after being hit by one such Toto. Many people were injured, some had broken legs. When we informed the police, we were told that Toto vehicles are illegal. They do not come under the MVI Act. What other legal action will be taken against illegal vehicles? When parents demand compensation, they say, where will poor people bring money from? Then why do minors drive Totos?
A Rampurhat resident Sarbani Mandal said, Toto has now become a cause of trouble for people. Unemployed, poor people are choosing this profession for livelihood. But every day one accident after another is happening at their incompetent hands. This is increasing panic. Still the police administration is not playing a positive role in controlling Toto. It is worth mentioning that a few months ago the administration had taken steps to control Toto in the entire Rampurhat area. From putting barcodes on Toto to making it one-way and taking action against minors driving Toto, everything was said. It was said that village Totos will not be allowed to run in the city. But who understands whose ban! On the contrary, minor Toto drivers are roaming everywhere from village to city.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
