Bhubaneswar: The State Transport Authority (STA), Odisha, has issued show-cause notices to around 380 autorickshaw owners in connection with the recent protest by app-based cab, autorickshaw and bike drivers in the city.
Regional Transport Officer (RTO), Bhubaneswar-1, Manas Ranjan Mishra, said on Monday that the notices were issued over permit-related violations and alleged disruption of public transport during the agitation.
“We have issued show-cause notices to around 380 autorickshaw owners. Challans have been issued against those who do not have permits, fitness certificates or insurance. Those who have permits have also been asked to submit their replies within three days of receiving the notice,” Mishra said.
According to the RTO, around 20-25 autorickshaw owners have so far submitted their replies. The department will examine the responses and conduct hearings before deciding on further action.
“Based on their replies, we will conduct hearings and, after that, decide on the next course of action,” Mishra said.
The officer clarified that vehicles allegedly involved in the incidents had been seized by the police and were currently in police custody. The Transport Department is separately examining permit-related issues and other violations, he said.
Mishra said vehicle owners residing within the city may receive the notices soon, while those residing at addresses outside the local area could receive them within two to three days.
In cases where an owner has been arrested, an authorised representative can appear before the RTO on the owner’s behalf, Mishra said.
“The authorised person of an owner can appear on their behalf. We will conduct the hearing and consider their explanation before deciding on the next step,” he said.
The protest by drivers associated with app-based ride-hailing platforms was held in Bhubaneswar on August 19. The agitation disrupted traffic movement at several places, particularly around Master Canteen Square and Lower PMG.
Hundreds of cabs, autorickshaws and bikes were reportedly parked along Mahatma Gandhi Marg as the protesters raised slogans and pressed for their demands. Traffic movement was affected in parts of the city during the agitation.
The protest was aimed at highlighting various demands of app-based vehicle drivers. Following the disruption, transport authorities initiated action against autorickshaw owners allegedly involved in violations.
The RTO is now examining the cases of the 380 owners. Further action will be taken after the hearings and consideration of the replies submitted by the vehicle owners, Mishra said.
