Agartala Dec 25: A large number of autorickshaw drivers gathered in the city on Wednesday to protest against the alleged corrupt issuance of permits for the route from GB to Banikya Chowmani.

The drivers raised concerns about the illegal issuance of permits by the transport department, which they claim is making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.

The protest brought together a large number of auto drivers, all united by their shared grievances.

They alleged that the transport department has been issuing permits without following the proper legal procedures, leading to an oversaturation of auto-rickshaws on the route. This, in turn, has severely impacted their earnings and made it challenging for them to support their families.

Babul Mia, an auto driver and one of the protest's spokespersons, addressed the media and provided detailed information about the issue.

He highlighted the struggles faced by the drivers due to the alleged corruption, emphasizing the need for immediate action to rectify the situation.

According to Mia, the unauthorized issuance of permits is not only unfair to the existing permit holders but also undermines the integrity of the transport system.

“As far as we know, issuance of permits for auto rickshaws has been stopped for many years in the AMC area. But as we reached the Vehicles Office on Tuesday, we noted at least 24 autorickshaws who have permit for plying in routes like Chandrapur-Anandanagar which are out of the city have changed their permits to ply in the GB to Banikya Chowmani Road”, he said.

The protesters added, “Without issuance of any circular by the department, these route changes are made in an illegal way”.

The protesting drivers called on the authorities to investigate the matter and take corrective measures to ensure that permits are issued transparently and fairly.

They urged the transport department to halt the illegal issuance of permits and implement stricter regulations to prevent such practices in the future.

The drivers further expressed hope that their united stand would prompt the authorities to address their concerns and restore fairness in the issuance of permits.