Prepaid auto stands likely at select rail stations

The state transport department is planning to set up prepaid autorickshaw stands at some of the major railway stations. These stands will be similar to that of the prepaid taxi stands at domestic and international airport terminals. These stands are likely to come up at Borivli, Andheri, Bandra Terminus and Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.

"There is a need to set up prepaid auto stands outside railway stations to ensure the safety of passengers as well as to curb drivers fleecing travellers," said a transport official.

A couple of months ago, the state transport department had approached authorities in Central as well as Western railways with this idea. "Railway officials agreed in principle on the need to have such facilities at select railway stations," said a senior transport official.

As per the present plan, such stands will come up at Borivli, Andheri, Bandra TT and LTT.

The availability of land is the biggest challenge facing any project. And creating a prepaid autorickshaw stands isn't easy, especially outside railway stations.

"We will require dedicated space for lanes so that autorickshaws stand in a single file apart from having a cabin to make bookings," added the official. Except Bandra and LTT, there is space crunch outside other stations.

In 2011, prepaid taxi stands were set up at Bandra TT, Dadar, LTT and Mumbai Central. However, having prepaid autorickshaw stands at the international and domestic airport terminals isn't on the cards.