The Bhubaneswar Regional Transport Office (RTO) has decided to monitor the activities of auto-rickshaw drivers through CCTV cameras installed at various places by the Commissionerate Police.

The decision was taken following complaints of frequent traffic violation by the auto-rickshaw drivers and their harsh dealing with the passengers in the capital city. Sources said there are about 30,000 autos plying the city of which more than 50 per cent do not have a permit or fitness certificate.

According to reports, the auto drivers of the city are paying Rs 2 lakh every month as penalty. The RTO has decided to penalise them twice the amount than earlier by monitoring their activities in CCTVs.

It has also planned to start mass licencing of auto drivers wherein it would be make mandatory provisions for them to undergo a three-month training course. The programme would start by the end of March.

The city would also witness prepaid auto service. This 24 hour service will be started from four places initially such as airport, bus stand, station and KiiT square. Passengers will be charged Rs10 per km in this new service, sources in the RTO said.

Meanwhile, the Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) will soon present a proposal to the State Government to push the vehicles, which are older than 15 years, from roads of Bhubaneswar to curb pollution and solve traffic menace.

Around nine lakh vehicles are plying on the city roads of which 25 per cent are four wheelers, public and goods carriers. Most of these commercial vehicles are older than 15 years while some of them are even older than 40-45 years, sources said.

While the State Government does not have a plan in place to regulate this as of now, it remains to be seen as to how it is going to react to the proposal of the commission.