SUBHASH MISHRA
Dhanbad, Sept 14: In order to get rid of perennial traffic jams in the coal city, the Dhanbad district administration has issued a Unique Code, the first of its kind in a district of Jharkhand, for around 20,000 registered auto-rickshaws.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Sandip Singh said that for smooth travelling on roads a Unique Code has been issued and the route has been fixed for the auto-rickshaws in the coal city. Under the new traffic plan which will be effective from September 20, entry of auto-rickshaws in the coal city has been restricted to 1700 only.
To date the number of auto-rickshaws is not fixed for roads in the city and across the district vehicles (auto-rickshaws) reach the township without any restriction.
To avoid traffic jams on city roads, the district administration has already banned the entry of inter-district, inter-state buses and heavy transport in the city from September 3.
Over 20,000 registered auto-rickshaws are considered the lifeline of coal belt commuters. But recklessness among auto drivers has been found one of the major reasons for traffic jams in the coal city. Especially after the death of an additional district judge (ADJ) Uttam Anand in an accident by an auto-rickshaw near the district court, the vehicles are under the scanner of district administration.
Three days ago an auto-rickshaw had also hit an editor of a vernacular daily at Steel Gate Saraidhela and ran away. The editor, who received multiple injuries, is still admitted to the hospital.
As per the route’s chart from Jharia to Dhanbad railway station, only 400 auto-rickshaws have been permitted while from Katras township only 100 auto-rickshaws are allowed. Similarly from Chirkunda, Nirsa, Tundi, East Tundi blocks 400 autos have given entry passes. Putki to Dhanbad railway station 250 and Barbadda to station roads 200 autos would run. 150 autos are allowed from Bhuli township to the railway station.
Auto drivers would have to follow a dress code, and carry auto papers and driving licenses on roads.
