Kamrup (M) bans trekkers, 10-seater autorickshaws to Kamakhya temple

Guwahati: The Kamrup (Metro) district transport office has banned plying of share taxis, like trekkers and 10-seater auto rickshwas, to Kamakhya and Bhubaneswari temples atop the Nilachal Hills.
“The soft top vehicles are without closeable doors and not safe for passengers travelling along the steep route. Hence, the existing 10-seater share taxi route No 18 A has been changed,” said a notification of the DTO.
According to the order, these share taxis which ply from Guwahati Medical College Hospital to Bhubaneswari Mandir via Rupnagar, DGP Office, Ulubari Chariali, B Barooah College, Ambari, Handique Girls’ College, Kachari and Bharalumukh, have been asked to change their route to Maligaon Chariali and Adabari without going towards Bhubaneswari Mandir with immediate effect.
The DTO has also asked city buses and share taxi owners to produce membership details of the associations concerned for the issue or renewal of fitness certificates.
During a meeting chaired by transport commissioner L Balaji, it was decided that fitness certificates and permits will not be issued without membership to city buses and share taxi associations. The decision was taken to control unruly city buses and share taxis against which the DTO has received a number of complaints.
Balaji said the department is mulling several initiatives for better transport facilities. “ Bus services will be regulated to make the system smoother. We will use separate colour codes for buses which meet all norms of the department. It will also help us in spotting violators,” said Balaji.
According to traffic police records, more than 80 people have lost their lives in road mishaps since January 2015 in the city.