Abhijit Ray,(Special Correspondent)
KOLKATA: Residents of areas adjoining Jessore Road are facing daily harassment due to the unchecked plying of illegal Toto and autos, leading to massive traffic jams and safety concerns.
The worst-hit stretches include roads connecting Kalindi, Laketown,Bangur,Patipukur,Duttabagan,Paikpara,and BT Road.
Locals allege that these unauthorized vehicles blatantly violate traffic signals,ply at extremely high speeds,and cause severe congestion during peak hours.
“They do not obey traffic rules at all.The autos run extremely speedy and it is highly unsafe for people on the street as well as passengers inside the autos,” said a resident of Bangur. “Because of them we are facing extreme huge traffic jams every day.”
What has further angered citizens is the alleged political patronage these operators enjoy.Locals claim the auto and Toto unions act like “chameleons”when it comes to politics.
“Whenever a party is in power,they will be supporting that party.The moment the party color changes,immediately they also change the union and take shelter with the ruling party,”alleged another commuter.
With schools,markets,and offices in Laketown and Kalindi seeing heavy footfall,pedestrians are at constant risk.
Residents have now appealed to the higher police authority to intervene and take the strongest steps to stop this traffic nuisance.
They are demanding strict enforcement, impounding of illegal vehicles, and regular traffic drives on Jessore Road and adjoining lanes.
Police officials are yet to comment on the matter.
