Date:18/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/18/stories/2006071817580300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

5,000 more LPG autos for city soon, says Minister

Special Correspondent

Another 5,000 LPG fuelled autorickshaws for Chennai

CHENNAI: There will soon be an additional 5,000 LPG fuelled autorickshaws on Chennai's roads.

Transport Minister K.N. Nehru said on Monday that the Government had drawn up criteria for grant of additional licences for autorickshaws for the city and was taking steps to satisfy the courts on norms for the grant of the licences. A committee comprising trade union leaders and officials would decide on the allotment, he said, after meeting representatives of trade unions here.

The decision to grant additional 5,000 licences was taken by the previous government. But it did not draw up any norms, he said. This resulted in the courts being approached.

Clean police records

The Transport department had now stipulated that for the grant of new licences, the drivers should have clean police records and should be residents of the city and have a minimum education qualification. These suggestions were acceptable to trade unions, he said. He would discuss the issue with the Chief Minister and the High Court would be informed of the new clauses.

LPF leader and member of Parliament C. Kuppusamy said the meet was aimed at clearing the air and discussing the norms that had been drawn up. He said the trade unions were satisfied with the proposals.