The government is set to add four more years to the lifespan of CNG-run auto-rickshaws, which had already passed 11 years in operation, upon few specific conditions.
The decision was jointly taken by the Ministry of Communication and Bangladesh Roads Transport Authority (BRTA) as per a demand from the Dhaka Metropolitan CNG Auto-rickshaw Owners’ Association.
Apart from extending the lifespan, the ministry is also planning to set a higher rate for daily driver’s deposit and an increased fare rate.
In 2002, the government banned all two-stroke auto-rickshaws in urban areas and paved the way for four-stroke CNG-run three-wheelers, for which the lifespan was set at nine years.
Currently, there are around 13,000 commercially-run “green” auto-rickshaws and 3,000 private ones, usually painted grey, operating in the capital.
As the lifespan of all such three-wheelers ended in 2011, the government then extended two more years as per the demand of vehicle owners.
Sources said when the extended lifespan expired in January this year, the government again agreed to extend four more years amid pressure from the owners’ association.
However, BRTA officials claimed that they simply implemented a ministry detective following a recommendation from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet).
Referring to the Buet recommendation, the officials said existing CNG-run auto-rickshaws in Dhaka and Chittagong must ensure overhauling of its engines and mechanical fitness from certified workshops.
Buet engineers pointed out that four years can be added to the lifespan of existing auto-rickshaws upon few conditions, such as replacing old gas cylinders.
Md Rafiqul Haque Talukder, a director of BRTA, said: “As per a ministry directive, the lifespan of existing auto-rickshaws will be set at 15 years.”
Rafiqul also claimed that the notification will only be applicable to CNG-run auto rickshaws in Dhaka and Chittagong.
Although the three-wheelers are considered a cause of traffic congestions in Dhaka, Communications Minister Obaidul Quader earlier announced introducing 5,000 more such vehicles in Dhaka and 4,000 in the port city.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Passengers’ Welfare Association has denounced the government’s decision.
Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary general of the association, said: “Almost all auto-rickshaws have exceeded their lifespan. But, the government have repeatedly extended permits for these faulty vehicles.
He also reasoned that such unfit vehicles have been causing most accidents in the city and termed the new fare rate irrational.
They proposed that fare should be Tk40 for the first two kilometres, up from Tk25, while the charge for each subsequent kilometre should be at Tk12.