The rapid proliferation of share-autos in Madurai has led to worsening traffic congestion and heightened concerns over passenger safety, with residents accusing authorities of lax enforcement of traffic and transport regulations.
Disruptive driving practices
Share-auto drivers frequently stop at bus stops, busy junctions, road margins, and market areas to pick up or drop passengers, disrupting traffic flow and creating bottlenecks, according to D Gopalakrishnan, a resident-activist from K Pudur. “Be it a bus stop, a busy junction, a road margin or a market area, they stop wherever they want. They do not bother about the disruption to traffic flow or the vehicle queues that build up behind them, often leading to chaos,” he said.
Overloading a major risk
Overloading is another critical issue. Although regulations permit only three passengers per share-auto, vehicles carrying six to eight passengers are commonly seen across the city. “This is putting lives at risk, and the police have largely remained mute spectators,” Gopalakrishnan added.
Authorities respond
Madurai city traffic police stated that enforcement drives are conducted regularly and cases are booked zone-wise against violators. “Last year alone, we penalised and detained more than 1,500 autos for traffic violations. We will intensify enforcement drives once schools reopen on Thursday,” a senior police officer said.
Transport department officials reported that nearly 210 auto drivers were booked for overloading passengers, and special enforcement drives have been planned for next month.
