Transporters charging exorbitant fare in Brad Hapatnad Anantnag: allege passengers

Written by Shashi Prakash General January 19, 2021 862 Views

PNN/ Srinagar: The transporters after COVID-19 pandemic are taking the passengers for a ride in Brad Hapatnad area of Anantnag district. Sumo and other Cab drivers of Anantnag District are charging exorbitant fare from the passengers, alleged local residents of Brard Hapatnad area of Anantnag.

As per the COVID 19 guidelines issued by the Govt. they had to fill only 50% seats as that of existing capacity and had to charge extra fare, Now Govt. has withdrawn 30% fare hike on public transport in Jammu and Kashmir. The hike had earlier been effected in view of pandemic, still in gross violation of the Govt order the sumo drivers taking same extra fare.

“We can’t deny the fact that transporters have suffered huge losses, but the public transporters should not compensate their losses by taking the common people on rides,” a local resident Bashir Ahmad said.

Scores of residents of various villages including Panzumulla, Brard, Hassanor, Vail Nabgal, Khiyar and Hapatnad said that we have gone ARTO Anantnag few days before for complaining the violation of government order of withdrawal of extra fare by transporters but despite assuring an action he start advocating the transporters by saying that charges will remain same, there is nothing wrong in it which is very unfortunate.

A new order has been issued by the ARTO Anantnag where fare charges have been kept same which were during covid 19 despite withdrawal of extra fare charges by government, all adjacent villages are enjoying the same fare charges which were before covid 19 expect for villages which include Panzmulla, Brad, Hassanor and Hapatnad which is a share injustice.

Residents alleged that ARTO Anantnag is showing more interest towards transporters than locals that indicates something fishy as whenever we go to him for complaint, he starts abusing, misbehaving and ignoring us that is creating doubts of his involvement.

“The extra fare charges have been withdrawn from everywhere except above four five maintained villages which is very unfortunate”, said Ab Gani, a local resident.

Residents of Brad Hapatnad area of Anantnag and its adjacent areas have demanded that strict action should be taken against sumo drivers of Anantnag.

Residents requested the DC Anantnag and Transport Commissioner to look into the matter and take strict action against them.