Sri Vijaya Puram, May 13: Faulty electronic auto meters, repeated repair expenses and concerns over driver verification have emerged as key issues affecting auto-rickshaw drivers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, with Auto Union Secretary Santosh Kumar urging authorities to address long-pending problems faced by drivers.
Speaking to The Wave Andaman, Santosh Kumar said the union has raised the issue of defective electronic meters multiple times during transport and traffic meetings with the administration. According to him, officials had assured drivers that the installed meter systems would function properly for at least one year. However, drivers continue to face frequent technical failures, particularly involving meter cables that reportedly require replacement several times every month.
He said the cables, which cost around ₹500 to ₹600 each, often need to be changed four to five times in a month, increasing the financial burden on drivers who already operate on limited daily earnings. Many drivers alleged that the electronic meter systems currently available in the islands are not practically suited for passenger auto-rickshaws and continue to develop recurring faults.
Santosh Kumar acknowledged that some drivers may violate rules, but maintained that most auto-rickshaw operators in the islands work honestly and follow transport regulations. He claimed that nearly 70 percent of autos are still operating with functioning meters despite the technical and financial difficulties faced by drivers.
Repair Delays Hit Drivers
Several local auto-rickshaw drivers also expressed frustration over the situation, stating that while authorities strictly enforce meter regulations through challans and penalties, repair facilities for faulty meters remain inadequate.
Drivers alleged that authorised repair centres and technicians frequently face shortages of spare parts and replacement cables, leaving many vehicles off the road for days. According to them, the lack of available parts makes it difficult to immediately comply with enforcement requirements even when drivers are willing to operate legally with proper meter systems.
Some drivers said delays in repairs directly affect their livelihoods, as daily earnings stop whenever vehicles remain parked awaiting technical work. For many families dependent entirely on auto-rickshaw income, repeated repair costs and operational disruptions have become increasingly difficult to manage.
Auto-rickshaws continue to remain one of the most commonly used modes of public transport in urban areas, particularly for students, office-goers, senior citizens and tourists travelling short distances.
Drivers claimed that rising maintenance costs, combined with penalties related to meter issues, are making operations financially difficult for many operators. They argued that unless durable and reliable meter systems are introduced along with proper technical support, disputes between enforcement agencies and drivers are likely to continue.
Union Seeks Driver Checks
Apart from the meter-related concerns, the Auto Union also demanded proper background verification of drivers arriving in the islands to work as auto-rickshaw operators.
Santosh Kumar said the issue has been repeatedly discussed during transport and traffic meetings, with the union requesting stricter verification measures to ensure that individuals involved in criminal activities are not permitted to operate public transport vehicles.
According to him, proper screening and monitoring would improve passenger safety and help protect genuine drivers from unnecessary suspicion. He expressed concern that many individuals are allegedly able to acquire vehicles and begin operations without adequate checks or regulatory scrutiny.
The union maintained that despite repeated representations, sufficient attention has not yet been given to the issue by the administration. Santosh Kumar said the union wants all public transport vehicles in the islands to operate with functioning meters and proper verification systems in place.
He also clarified that no driver is legally required to join any union to operate an auto-rickshaw and stated that unions have never forced drivers to take membership.
While passengers and travellers often blame auto-rickshaw drivers over meter disputes and fare-related complaints, drivers say the challenges behind the system are rarely discussed publicly. From repeated technical failures and repair expenses to shortages of spare parts and strict enforcement, many drivers argue that there is another side to the story that often remains unheard.
