Over the past 48 hours, the Vasai traffic police have taken strict action against unregistered vehicles operating on the city’s roads. As part of a major crackdown, officers seized ten Magic vehicles, two Eco cars, and two private buses that were running without proper documentation. These vehicles were reportedly charging lower fares, which not only disrupted legal transportation services but also created traffic congestion.

This latest operation comes on the heels of a similar effort in which the police confiscated 66 illegal auto-rickshaws. The ongoing drive is being led by Senior Police Inspector Prashant Langhe, who has made it clear that the department will continue working towards removing unauthorized vehicles from the streets.

A Step Towards Orderly Roads

The presence of illegal vehicles has long been a concern in Vasai. Many Magic vehicles and private buses operate without permits, providing cheap transport but violating traffic regulations. This not only affects the earnings of registered rickshaw drivers but also contributes to unregulated traffic flow, making the roads unsafe for commuters.

Senior Police Inspector Prashant Langhe emphasized that this crackdown is part of a larger effort to bring order to Vasai’s transport system. “The operation will not stop until the streets are cleared of unauthorized vehicles,” he stated. He also issued a warning to licensed drivers, reminding them to adhere to all regulations, including wearing uniforms, carrying valid permits, and not exceeding passenger limits. Violators, he added, would face strict legal consequences.

Mixed Reactions from Residents and Commuters

Local residents have had varied responses to the crackdown. While many commuters appreciate the move, noting a visible reduction in congestion, some have expressed concerns about transportation shortages. Fewer vehicles on the road mean longer wait times, particularly during rush hours.

A commuter from Nallasopara, Sunil Patil, shared his perspective: “It is a relief to see fewer unregulated vehicles, but now finding a rickshaw or shared vehicle has become difficult. I hope legal transport services are increased to compensate for this crackdown.”

On the other hand, many legal rickshaw drivers have welcomed the police action, saying that illegal vehicles have been severely affecting their earnings. “We pay for permits and follow the rules, yet these Magic vehicles and Eco cars operate freely without any regulations. This has been unfair for years,” said Ramesh Pawar, a rickshaw driver from Vasai Road.

Rickshaw Unions Protest Against Illegal Vehicles

While the crackdown has reduced the number of unauthorized vehicles on the road, it has also led to rising tensions among transport workers. Local rickshaw unions have been demanding stricter enforcement against Magic vehicles and private buses, claiming that these illegal services are undercutting their fares and driving them out of business.

On Saturday, rickshaw drivers staged a protest, marching from Santosh Bhavan in Nallasopara East to the railway station. Their demands were clear: the authorities must take stronger action against illegal transport operators.

The situation escalated on Monday morning when rickshaw drivers confronted Magic vehicle drivers, leading to a heated argument that quickly turned into a scuffle. The police had to intervene and registered a case against some of the rickshaw drivers involved. In response, dozens of auto drivers staged a roadblock protest, demanding stricter law enforcement.

Authorities Remain Firm on Regulations

Despite the protests, the traffic police remain firm in their stance. Inspector Langhe and his team have increased their efforts to track and seize illegal vehicles. “We understand the concerns of licensed drivers, but any kind of lawlessness, including protests that block roads, will not be tolerated,” he warned.

The authorities are also urging legal transport operators to ensure they comply with all necessary permits and safety standards. The crackdown is not just about removing unlicensed vehicles but also about improving the overall transport system in Vasai.

What Lies Ahead?

With tensions running high, the Vasai traffic police are expected to continue their strict monitoring of illegal vehicles in the coming days. However, the issue highlights a deeper problem—the need for better public transportation infrastructure. Many residents rely on these illegal transport options due to the lack of sufficient and affordable alternatives.

For long-term improvement, experts suggest that local authorities work on increasing the availability of registered rickshaws and buses, as well as improving metro or local train connectivity in Vasai. Until then, it remains to be seen how effectively the traffic police can maintain order while addressing the concerns of both commuters and transport operators.