The recent death of two youth here in a collision involving two motorcycles rented has brought to focus the need to regulate the business.
The tourists were part of a large group of youngsters from Uttar Pradesh who had come to the Nilgiris on vacation.
One of the motorcycles failed to stop resulting in collision with another while they were on way to the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
The rentals charge customers anywhere between ₹ 300 to ₹ 500 for a day, and is highly popular among tourists who visit the Nilgiris.
Many visitors prefer to rent out two-wheelers to travel to other parts of the Nilgiris, including the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve along the highly dangerous Kalhatti Ghat Road.
Consumer rights activists have asked the police, and the Road Transport Office to ensure that the vehicles being rented out to tourists are road-worthy.
Though it is not confirmed whether the death of the two tourist occurred as a result of ill-maintained vehicles, the police have carried out a check on such rentals.
The police have asked rental firms to keep a record of their customers, including a copy of their driving licences. They should provide helmets too the customers.
The Nilgiris District Superintendent of Police, Murali Rambha, said that the police have been asked to take action against those who were not following these rules.
