Sumo operators overcharging, authorities unmoved

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Dec 1: Sumo, Tavera and Tempo Traveler vehicles operators plying between Rajouri and Jammu are allegedly over charging from the gullible passengers while the District Transport and Traffic Police authorities are sleeping over the matter.
Sources said that during COVID time the passenger fare was increased keeping a cap over seating capacity all over J&K and after relaxation in COVID guidelines, the fare was reduced to normal but till now passengers are being charged the same fare. It is the mockery of the system that passengers from Rajouri area are being made to pay Rs 500 fare for a distance of just 150 kms. .
There is no one to keep check on the route vehicles and this severe violation despite having several check points of Police and Traffic police. Moreover, RTO Rajouri teams also lay nakas on several occasions during the month. A complaint was also registered in Grievances Cell and as per that the actual fare between Jammu and Rajouri is about Rs 359. A number of students, patients and labourers also travel on this route and it’s impossible for them to pay this fare. Most of the vehicles are plying with full seating capacity.
Several times, the issue was raised by the people but no one is paying heed towards this issue. Thousands of passengers travel on this route on daily basis but their plea has remained unattended by the people at the helm of affairs. It’s big question mark on the functioning of Traffic police and RTO authorities operating in the area. The aggrieved people have sought the intervention of LG and the Chief Secretary.