The Hindu : Tamil Nadu / Chennai News : Share auto hits median, 9 injured

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Mar 29, 2005

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Share auto hits median, 9 injured

By P. Oppili

CHENNAI, MARCH 28. Nine passengers of a share autorickshaw suffered injuries today when the vehicle hit a median in Tirumangalam and overturned. Fire and Rescue Service personnel said the accident took place at the junction of Ambattur Industrial Estate Road and Collector Nagar, around 10.15 a.m. The injured were admitted to the Kilpauk Medical College hospital for treatment. The driver was absconding.

Transport Department authorities said the accident occurred due to overloading. The prescribed capacity for the vehicle is six passengers. But, many share autos provide wooden planks near the driver's seat to increase the number of passengers.

Crackdowns

The officials claimed that regular crackdowns are conducted on share autos that violate norms. If found carrying passengers beyond the prescribed limit, a fine of Rs. 50 is levied for each excess passenger.

Share autos are becoming increasingly popular mainly due to non-availability of bus services to suburban or outlying areas.

However, he said, detaining overloaded share autos was not a viable option as they catered to a large number of people. This would only expose more people to the danger of overcrowding. That was why the raids were not leading to expected results, he added.

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