Traffic Rules Get Stricter For Auto Drivers In Odisha Capital From Today

Bhubaneswar: In view of heavy rush in Odisha capital, the Commissionerate Police have decided to impose strict traffic rules for auto rickshaw drivers. The rules will be implemented from Monday.

A notice in this regard has been issued to the auto rickshaw drivers’ association and put up at auto stands.

The rules are as follows:

1. The auto rickshaws will be parked only at the auto stands, identified by the Commissionerate Police.
2. Auto Rickshaw drivers cannot pick or drop passengers from anywhere on a road.
3. They will pick and drop passengers from auto bays only.
4. More than five autos cannot stand at a time in one bay.
5. They will drive on the left side of the road. They can also use middle of the road, but there will be restriction on driving on the right side.

Training on new rules will be provided to the auto drivers in the city. On completion of the training, they will be provided with identity cards.

Police Commissioner Sudhanshu Sarangi and DCP (traffic) Sagarika Nath discussed the rules with the representatives of auto-rickshaw associations on Sunday.

In the first phase, the Commissionerate Police have identified five places – Musuem Square, Raj Mahal, Vani Vihar, Jayadev Vihar and Rasulgarh where the rules will be strictly implemented. The other places are Raj Mahal, Kalpana Square and Vani Vihar. One platoon of police force will be deployed at these three places.

The Commissionerate Police will also put sign boards at these spots.

Before implementing these rules, 56 new traffic police were recruited.