If you’re in an auto rickshaw and fearing for life and limb as the driver seems to be driving like he’s not used to it, chances are, he isn’t. The state Transport Department is to blame. The overzealous department is gambling with the lives of people. In a bid to increase the number of auto rickshaws — which is said to be for the improvement in public transport in Mumbai — the department has allowed even people with zero driving experience to drive auto rickshaws.

The Road Safety Fortnight was inaugurated at a function at the NCPA by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, where state Transport Minister Diwakar Raote and Mumbai Police Commissioner Ahmad Javed were present, yesterday. Interestingly, Transport Department’s decision comes while this drive is being implemented. Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi