Auto drivers seek relaxations in scrappage policy

More time sought to comply with regulations owing to financial crisis

Autorickshaw drivers who own old vehicles that come under the new scrappage policy of the Centre have sought more time to comply with the regulations in the wake of COVID-19 induced financial crisis. In Kozhikode district, the majority of those who seek the relaxation are drivers who own diesel vehicles that are more than 15 years old. Though some of the drivers have already replaced their vehicles with CNG and electric variants, many are finding it hard to do so owing to financial crisis. The majority of drivers are now awaiting a favourable reply from the State government to sanction a reasonable financial aid to replace their old vehicles. They hope that a special aid in the form of an interest-free loan or subsidy will benefit them.