Unsafe three-wheelers on city streets
A photo published in this newspaper yesterday showed an improvised motorised three-wheeler, known as Nasimon, in a major thoroughfare of the capital. Despite a ban on these road-unsafe vehicles, they continue to ply the roads. These vehicles, scrapped together unprofessionally, were banned for safety reasons. On top of that, these vehicles are without registration, operated by untrained drivers. Yet, they continue to be a preference for low-income groups.
In the busy traffic of the city as well as on the highway, these slap-dash vehicles pose a significant safety hazard. It is the failure of the authorities to enforce the ban, which ultimately puts not only the Nasimon passengers, but other vehicles on the road in danger.
But the issue is more than one of enforcing the ban on such improvised local vehicles. The fact that people continue to use them despite knowing the risks shows that there exists a lack of affordable public transport. Especially in the rural areas, where there is almost no lateral connectivity with the highways, people are forced to use these vehicles.
However, the photo in question was taken inside the city. This highlights how little the rules count and can be easily flouted. We urge the authorities, in light of the risks, to enforce the ban on these deadly vehicles. On top of that, the transport authorities should also realise that a ban can only go so far. These vehicles are filling a need that has not been addressed. Therefore, affordable and available public transport is the need of the hour.
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