Measures to streamline auto services at Central Station

By S.Shivakumar

CHENNAI, SEPT. 22. As part of its effort to streamline the autorickshaw operations at the Central Railway Station, the Railway Police along with the city police are chalking out various measures, including the recording of each autorickshaw leaving the terminal.

There have been several complaints of autorickshaw drivers demanding exorbitant fares even to ply short distances, from the passengers. The passengers who usually have heavy baggage are at the mercy of these drivers. This leads to a lot of haggling, and there have also been instances of passengers being attacked by drivers.

The measures initiated by the railway authorities including the implementation of a `pre-paid system' failed as most drivers refused to accept the prescribed fare. The system was scrapped as it came in for criticism from several quarters. The autorickshaw stand was then shifted to a new area in front of the reservation complex where it functions now.

Mr. R. Sekar, who recently took charge as Railway IGP, has chalked out a programme factoring in the practical problems and also the views of the drivers.

As most drivers resented taking passengers on short trips, there was a suggestion that drivers who wanted to ply only for long distances form a separate queue. After a couple of rounds of discussions, the drivers agreed to adhere to a single- queue system.

Mr. Sekar said complaint cards were being given to the passengers while boarding autorickshaws. In case of any complaint, the police could easily trace the autorickshaw as the vehicle's details would be noted down in the register.

Steps would be taken to impound the vehicles which invited complaints and they would not be allowed to enter the station.

It is learnt that one of the demands made by the autorickshaw drivers was that the police prevent other autorickshaws from being parked in front of the Central Railway Terminal on EVR Salai.

Mr. R. Sekar, the JCP (North), Mr. C. Sylendra Babu, and the Railway DIG, Mr. C. K. Gandhirajan, and other officials inspected the functioning of the queue system this morning. Apart from the railway police, RPF personnel and the local police would regularly man the system.

The railway police were also distributing pamphlets to the passengers warning them against `biscuit bandits'. The passengers had been advised not to accept any food stuff from strangers while travelling, Mr.Sekar added.

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Section  : Southern States
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