Thousands of Unsafe Autorickshaws in Surat: No Fitness, Permits, or CNG Retesting, Putting Passengers and Students at Risk

The Surat RTO records show that over 1 lakh auto rickshaws have been registered so far. Currently, more than 50,000 auto rickshaws are operating on Surat’s roads. However, thousands of these vehicles are akin to “ticking time bombs.” Auto rickshaws used to transport passengers and school children must undergo annual fitness checks, and a permit must be obtained after passing these inspections. 

Additionally, since all auto rickshaws run on CNG, their kits require periodic retesting. However, a closer look at the Surat RTO’s data on fitness and permit compliance reveals some alarming information.

10% of Autorickshaw Drivers Do Not Follow Regulations

According to data from the past three years, many autorickshaw owners in Surat have not undergone the mandatory fitness checks. Out of over 50,000 auto rickshaws operating in the city, thousands remain unchecked. 

For instance, in the 2023-24 financial year, only 3,521 auto rickshaws underwent fitness inspections, compared to just 1,897 in 2022-23. This means that less than 10% of autorickshaw drivers comply with regulations. In other words, many auto rickshaws are openly running on city roads without proper fitness certification or permits.

Police and RTO Turn a Blind Eye to Autorickshaw Violations

While traffic police in Surat are often seen penalizing two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers for minor violations, they seem hesitant to take action against autorickshaw drivers. Despite the visible chaos caused by auto rickshaws at various city junctions, enforcement efforts remain inconsistent. 

Police officers focus on catching helmetless bikers to meet their targets but overlook the autorickshaw drivers who blatantly violate rules. The RTO also appears to take only superficial action, occasionally detaining a few auto rickshaws without addressing the widespread issue of unfit and uncertified vehicles on the roads.

Digital Meters in Auto Rickshaws: A Mandatory Yet Ignored Rule

According to state transport department regulations, installing digital meters and yellow hoods in auto rickshaws is mandatory. However, compliance remains a major issue. When autorickshaw drivers bring their vehicles for fitness checks, they rent digital meters for around ₹500. 

These meters are temporarily installed just for the RTO inspection and are removed immediately afterward to be used in other rickshaws. As a result, very few auto rickshaws on Surat’s roads actually have functioning digital meters.

Similarly, yellow hoods, which are also compulsory, are rented for ₹500 to ₹700. Most auto rickshaws continue to operate with black or green hoods, clearly visible across the city. Despite these blatant violations, neither the RTO nor the police take any significant action to enforce these rules.

Fitness Certification Required for Permit Issuance

Autorickshaw owners must undergo a fitness inspection every year after the first two years of purchasing a new vehicle. Only after passing this inspection can they obtain the necessary permit. This inspection covers various aspects, including brakes, headlights, digital meters, yellow hoods, and CNG kit retesting.

However, many autorickshaw drivers are avoiding these mandatory checks, openly ignoring regulations. This widespread non-compliance allows them to continue operating without meeting safety standards, highlighting a concerning lack of enforcement in Surat’s transportation system.

Fitness Inspections Now Conducted at Private Centers

Previously, autorickshaw fitness inspections were conducted by RTO inspectors. However, with the approval of private fitness centers, all vehicle inspections, including those for auto rickshaws, must now be conducted at these centers. 

Despite this requirement, many autorickshaw drivers avoid getting their vehicles inspected at private centers, further contributing to the compliance issue. Authorities have yet to take any effective action against this widespread neglect.

Fitness Inspection Data:

• 2021-22: 1,628 auto rickshaws inspected
• 2022-23: 1,897 auto rickshaws inspected
• 2023-24: 3,521 auto rickshaws inspected
• 2024-25: 2,600 auto rickshaws inspected (so far)

These numbers highlight a significant gap, as only a fraction of the city’s auto rickshaws undergo mandatory fitness checks, raising serious concerns about road safety and regulatory enforcement.