Auto rickshaw operators oppose 'Quadricycle' proposal

Fearing competition from the proposed "Quadricycle", various auto rickshaw operators across the country have opposed the government's plan of allowing such vehicles to ply on city roads.

The auto rickshaw operators associations has expressed reservations on the safety, efficiency and weight aspects of the proposed vehicle, a Road Ministry official said.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has received as many as 40 suggestions from various stakeholders, of which a majority have come from the auto rickshaw operators, on the proposal of allowing quadricycles to ply on city roads across country.

Quadricycles are 4-wheeled vehicles with fully enclosed body structure, hard top and doors. Their maximum speed limit and engine capacity are lower than a that of a small car.

"At least 90% of the suggestions that we have received have come from the auto rickshaw operators's associations in the country," the official told PTI.

The suggestions are currently under evaluation.

Besides the autorickshaw operators, even the top automakers are not in favour of the government's move, calling it retrograde step.

Automakers including Tata Motors have also opposed the move on the grounds of safety, fuel efficiency, weight etc of the quadricyle.

Some have even requested Road Minister Oscar Fernandes to give them six months to three years for manufacturing the product and then grant permission for the same.

Road Ministry, in May this year allowed plying of quadricycles within city limits.

The Ministry said the quadricycles will come under separate category with specifications adopting present norms notified in the 3-wheeler category of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules (CMVR) or the European Union quadricycle, whichever is more stringent.

As an identification symbol, letter 'Q' will be prominently displayed on the body of quadricycles.