Himalaya Harbinger, Rudrapur Bureau.
The unchecked operation of e-rickshaws and autos in Rudrapur, the district headquarters of Udham Singh Nagar, is causing severe traffic congestion and contributing to accidents across the city. The lack of designated routes and permanent stands for nearly 9,000 e-rickshaws and more than 5,000 autos has left commuters facing daily inconveniences and safety concerns.
As per the transport department data, the number of e-rickshaws and autos in the city has surged over the past decade. Currently, 8,265 e-rickshaws and 5,233 autos are registered with the assistant regional transport office. However, many unregistered vehicles continue to operate without regulation.
The areas most affected by illegal operations include the routes from Kichha to Rudrapur, SIDCUL Dhaal, and Transit Camp, where autos designed for five passengers are often carrying up to 18. Illegal parking spots near DD Chowk, Indira Chowk, Pantnagar SIDCUL, and Modi Maidan have also become extortion hubs.
Originally intended for passenger transport, e-rickshaws are now being misused for commercial purposes, carrying goods like water cans, plastic pipelines, and gas cylinders. This unchecked practice has only added to the city’s traffic chaos.
SP traffic Manoj Katyal said, “Two years ago, we introduced a system to colour-code autos according to designated routes, but it collapsed within three days. Autos began operating arbitrarily, leading to severe traffic disruptions.”
The lack of proper regulation has also led to an increase in accidents. In March, five passengers were injured in a collision between a car and an e-rickshaw near the fire officer’s office. A month later, four people, including a pregnant woman, lost their lives in another e-rickshaw accident near Ataria Marg on the Rampur-Kathgodam Highway. Despite these incidents, enforcement remains weak.
Residents have voiced their frustration. “There’s a jam at SIDCUL Slope from 5 am to 10 pm daily due to autos parked haphazardly,” said Monty Sharma, a resident. Sunil, another commuter, added, “There’s an auto stand at DD Chowk, but drivers don’t use it. They stop in the middle of the road, risking accidents.”
Naresh Durgapal, Rudrapur Municipal Corporation (RMC) commissioner said, “To address the traffic chaos caused by e-rickshaws and autos in the city, we are implementing a comprehensive plan that includes establishing designated routes and stands for all registered vehicles. We will also conduct a crackdown on unregistered vehicles with the transport department to ensure compliance with the law.”
