Guwahati Women Report Safety Concerns Over Unauthorized Co-Passengers in App-Based Autorickshaws

Women commuters in Guwahati have raised serious safety concerns about app-based autorickshaws arriving with unauthorized co-passengers seated in the front beside the driver, a practice that violates platform safety rules. Multiple female passengers reported canceling rides due to discomfort and safety fears, particularly during evening and night hours. Drivers frequently justify the extra passengers by claiming they are family members being trained, friends, or children being picked up from tuition, but commuters describe the experiences as uncomfortable and potentially unsafe. In some incidents, co-passengers were reportedly intoxicated or made unwanted advances toward female passengers, with one commuter stating she had to exit a vehicle mid-ride due to threatening behavior.

The growing fleet of electric autorickshaws in Guwahati has made affordable and eco-friendly mobility more accessible, but these safety issues are increasingly overshadowing their benefits. Passengers report that despite filing complaints through app-based platforms' support systems, they have received no response or accountability from ride-sharing companies. One commuter described canceling six consecutive auto bookings in a single night due to unauthorized co-passengers, forcing her to pay significantly higher fares for a conventional cab instead. The issue disproportionately affects women, who must now factor in additional safety assessments before boarding what should be a straightforward commute.

Autority figures have acknowledged the severity of the situation. Jayanta Sarathi Borah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for Guwahati, confirmed that the matter is a serious concern and assured that it would be investigated immediately. He explicitly stated that autorickshaw drivers are not permitted to carry any passengers in the front seat, whether due to overcrowding or for any other claimed purpose. The incident highlights the need for stricter enforcement of platform safety protocols and greater accountability from ride-sharing companies operating in the city to ensure passenger protection.