The 24X7 help centre set up by the city traffic police at the Pune railway station has done a world of good for commuters. It has taken care of autorickshaw drivers who have been fleecing commuters during odd hours, refusing to ferry them, or being rude.
The 24X7 help centre set up by the city traffic police at the Pune railway station has done a world of good for commuters. It has taken care of autorickshaw drivers who have been fleecing commuters during odd hours, refusing to ferry them, or being rude.
Moreover, the traffic police have ensured that there is no more chaos in front of the main entry gate of the station, when in the past
autorickshaws used to remain stranded, making movement difficult for passengers.
The centre, which has started functioning since January 1, has already taken action against 40 errant rickshaw drivers for reasons such as not wearing the uniform and the badge issued by the regional transport office or refusing to ply by meter. They have been penalised Rs100 each.
A police inspector, five sub-inspectors and 25 policemen are working round-the-clock in different shifts daily at the centre. The traffic police have put up barricades and autorickshaws are now positioned in a row.
Passengers have to pay Re1 at the ‘Help Centre’ manned by a traffic policeman, who gives a receipt mentioning the name of the passenger, auto-rickshaw number, destination and fare by meter.
A commuter, Pravin Kumar, who arrived at the Pune railway station from Kerala, admitted that he was pleasantly surprised to see the changes outside the station. He is a frequent visitor to the city. “It used to be utter chaos earlier, as autorickshaw drivers jostled with each other and bargained hard with passengers about fares. As a commuter, I used to have a tough time,” he said.
He said setting up of the centre is a refreshing change. “I really welcome it. For people from southern states, who find it difficult to communicate either in Hindi or Marathi, they used to be taken for a ride by the drivers. But now the policemen are there to help them,” he said, adding that there was no need to pay extra amount to auto men.
According to the police sub-inspector, Yashwant Mahskule, the police manning the booth are getting positive feedback from passengers.
“Some passengers told us that they were really happy that things have become so systematic and orderly. We do not allow any auto driver to cause problems for the commuters,” he added.
According to the policemen on duty, even a majority of the auto men are happy with the arrangements. “While some auto drivers used to do brisk business, others waited for long even to get their first commuter. But now, each one of them is getting equal opportunity,” said the policemen.
Around 40 to 50 rickshaws stand in the queue every day at the centre so that the passengers do not face any problem in getting an autorickshaw.
The deputy commissioner of police (traffic), Manoj Patil, said the traffic police would soon start taking action against auto drivers with their vehicles waiting for passengers outside the station premises.
“Parking is not allowed outside the station premises. We will ensure that the auto drivers do not violate the rule,” he said.
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