Locals question its purpose

An auto rickshaw stand in Amrut Nagar’s Dargah Gully, which was built as a designated area for rickshaw drivers to park and wait for passengers, has now lost its purpose. It is currently being used as a parking space for auto rickshaws and other vehicles.

The rickshaw stand was established by the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) to reduce severe traffic jams in Mumbra, a long-standing and persistent issue faced by the city. However, it is now being used as a parking spot for vehicles, rendering the rickshaw stand irrelevant and ineffective.

Residents and shopkeepers in the area have expressed their frustration over the situation. Unauthorised parking at the rickshaw stand not only disrupts rickshaw services but also leads to severe traffic jams, causing unnecessary inconvenience to pedestrians.

Shohaib Shaikh, a local rickshaw driver, said, “Passengers are usually in a hurry and opt for rickshaws that will depart immediately.”

Residents reported that many rickshaw drivers initially followed the rules and waited for passengers at the rickshaw stand. However, some drivers became reluctant to adhere to the rules and began picking up passengers by cutting the line.

As a result, other drivers also started abandoning the rickshaw stand and began picking up passengers directly from the road. Samee Shaikh, a resident of Raees Baug, said “As the rickshaw drivers wait on the road to pick up passengers, this results in severe traffic jams.”

Residents have also reported that the situation has further worsened due to the absence of traffic personnel and have urged the traffic police and local authorities to take swift action on this issue.