Chandannagar Takes Action Against Traffic Chaos Caused by Totos, Launches E-Rickshaw Counting Initiative

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 26, 2024, Hooghly: Totos, the three-wheeled e-rickshaws that have become increasingly common in Chandannagar, Hooghly, are causing significant traffic congestion and public inconvenience in the city. These vehicles, which operate without proper regulation, have become a source of frustration for residents, particularly during peak hours, including school runs. Complaints about traffic jams and disorderly traffic management have been escalating, but the municipality has had no clear idea of how many Totos are operating in the city. In response, Chandannagar Municipality has launched a major initiative to address the growing concern.

Chandannagar Municipal Corporation Mayor, Ram Chakraborty, acknowledged the challenges posed by the unregulated e-rickshaws. He stated, “Totos have become a serious concern in our city. The general public faces numerous difficulties, ranging from movement restrictions to traffic congestion. We also do not have any official data about how many Totos are currently operating in the city. The absence of government regulations on Totos has made it even more difficult to manage.”

To tackle the issue, Mayor Chakraborty mentioned that the municipality has taken proactive steps, collaborating with the state’s transport minister to establish clear rules and regulations for Toto operations. The process of identifying and officially registering Totos has now begun, and it is expected that these vehicles will be allowed to ply within the city only under strict guidelines. "We are setting an example for the state," he said. “While Arambagh has already successfully completed similar efforts, Chandannagar is now taking the lead in implementing a formal process.”

The first phase of this initiative, a comprehensive counting and registration drive for e-rickshaws and Totos, started on Tuesday, November 26. The process is scheduled to continue until November 30. The municipality has set up counting camps at four designated locations throughout the city to gather data on the number of Totos in operation. On the first day of the drive, dozens of Toto drivers gathered in crowds to fill out application forms for registration.

According to Mayor Chakraborty, this drive is being conducted under the guidance of the state government’s transport department, with representatives from the Regional Transport Office (RTO) present at each camp to oversee the process. "We are working in close coordination with the RTO and municipal staff to ensure that all Totos are accounted for and that the necessary rules are implemented effectively," he added.

This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Chandannagar Municipality to restore order to the city’s roads and ensure a smoother, safer transportation system for its residents. By regulating the e-rickshaw sector, the local authorities hope to alleviate traffic congestion, particularly in residential and school zones, and create a more organized system of transportation.

With the successful implementation of the Toto registration process, the municipality aims to address the ongoing traffic challenges and bring much-needed relief to the citizens of Chandannagar.