Illegal rickshaws, ones that are plying despite being shown as scrapped in the Regional Transport Office (RTO) record after their mandated 16-year lifespan, are increasing in number by the day, rickshaw unions said. The unions attribute the increase to lax policing by the traffic police and the RTO. The unions want a high-tech solution to the problem: Radio Frequency Identification tags (RFID or radio tags).
Union wants RFID for re-fuelling at CNG stations
The Mumbai Rickshawmen’s Union led by Thampi Kurien has been demanding that rickshaws be fitted with Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags, so that only authorised rickshaws get CNG from fuel pumps.
Union links RFID with public safety
According to Kurien, it is a pressing issue. “The authorities should be implementing RFID tags as soon as possible because we believe the number of illegal rickshaws has reached around 15 percent of all rickshaws on the road. In a year or two, it will be so high that we can spot them on almost all the streets. The fact that these illegal rickshaws are not hydrotested (mandatory once every three years) means their cylinders stand the risk of blowing up. Can the authorities still take it so lightly?” Kurien said.
Currently CNG stations in the city only check the ‘compliance’ or metal plate of the vehicle, before giving CNG. The compliance plate is embossed with the details of the vehicle’s CNG kit, date of hydrotesting and other details.
Kurien claimed that illegal rickshaw-owners forge these compliance plates for as little as Rs1,000.
RFID use not proven to be safe, counters MGL
In a written response to dna’s query about RFID tags, Mahanagar Gas Limited said, “The current RFID applications are not suitable for flammable applications. Gas cylinder sectional committee of the Bureau of Indian Standards debated on RFID use and has found it currently not suitable for CNG application (since CNG is a flammable gas).” Further in its statement, MGL said that the technology can be considered when it is made suitable for CNG applications and it is enforced across India by regulatory authorities.
Kurien and his team may meet MGL officials this week to press for the quick implementation of RFID tags for rickshaws in the city.
Routes illegal rickshaws are plying on, according to unions:
Share-auto routes near Jogeshwari station (east and west)
Internal roads in Malvani, Malad
Parts of Trombay, Mankhurd, and Govandi
Bandra terminus
Share-auto route between Kurla terminus and Kurla station
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