Sopore, Jul 28 (KNO): The passengers from Krankshivan Colony in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district who travel through the Sopore-Krankshivan route have complained of overcharging by transport operators.
The locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the cabs that ply from Super Bazar (Shah Dargah Chowk) to Krankshivan/Wagub village via Krankshivan Colony are charging extra fares from passengers.
They also alleged that the vehicles plying on the route are without proper documents. They criticized the Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) department and police for “turning a blind eye” to the issue.
Many passengers expressed their anger against the administration for its “failure” to check the alleged extra charging by the transporters. The drivers are charging 15 rupees for 1 km as well as for a 5 km distance, they alleged.
Ruqaya (name changed), who travels daily on the route, said that Super Bazar to Krankshivan Colony is around 2 km distance and the cab drivers are charging 15 rupees.
“This is open loot,” she said. “The transporters are charging Rs 15 for which Rs 8 were charged previously. When we ask for the rate list, they resort to rude language,” she alleged.
The passengers also accused the drivers of not abiding by the rate list.
They urged the police and ARTO to take action against the violators. “ARTO should move beyond organizing ‘special drives’. It should deploy a team regularly on the route,” they said.
The passengers said the department has been informed several times of the issue; “however, the reaction lasts only for a day or two”.
Meanwhile, ARTO Baramulla, Muazzam Ali told KNO that he will look into the allegations against transporters. “Will depute a team on the route,” he said—(KNO)