Illegal battery-run autos ply on flyover
The movement of battery-run auto-rickshaws on a city flyover has sparked concerns among commuters and traffic authorities over road safety and traffic management.
According to eyewitnesses, several battery-operated auto-rickshaws were seen using the flyover despite restrictions on the movement of slow-moving vehicles on such elevated roads.
The presence of these vehicles reportedly caused disruptions to the smooth flow of traffic and increased the risk of accidents.
Traffic officials said flyovers are primarily designed for faster-moving vehicles to ease congestion and ensure uninterrupted transportation. The operation of battery-run auto-rickshaws on these routes not only violates traffic regulations but also poses potential hazards to both passengers and other road users.
Commuters expressed concern over the issue, urging the authorities to strengthen monitoring and enforcement measures to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing flyovers. They emphasized the need for strict action to ensure public safety and maintain traffic discipline.
Authorities have stated that legal action will be taken against drivers found violating traffic rules and that efforts are underway to enhance surveillance and enforcement on major roads and flyovers.
Road safety experts have also called for greater public awareness and stricter implementation of traffic regulations to reduce accidents and ensure safer travel for all road users.
Battery-run auto-rickshaws have increasingly been linked to road safety concerns in Bangladesh.
According to the Accident Research Institute (ARI) of BUET, around 900 accidents involving battery-run three-wheelers were recorded nationwide during the first ten months of a recent year, with 582 classified as serious accidents.
Experts attribute many of these accidents to poor braking systems, excessive speed, lack of regulation, and inexperienced drivers.
Traffic authorities have also expressed concern over the movement of battery-run auto-rickshaws on major roads and flyovers, where they are often prohibited due to safety risks.
In a recent incident, two people were killed when a bus struck an auto-rickshaw on the Jatrabari Flyover in Dhaka, highlighting the dangers of slow-moving three-wheelers operating on flyovers.
