New Delhi, Feb 12: The Delhi Traffic Police have shut down the 28 pre-paid auto-rickshaw booths that they have been running in the Capital.
Police sources say this has been done because they have not received a notice from the Delhi government's State Transport Authority (STA) about the fare hike yet, even though it came into effect on February 2. The police say that without the notice they had to insist on the old fares and were, therefore, facing problems from disgruntled auto-drivers.
Since there have been several auto fare hikes in the past, and such a problem has not come up, one would expect the course of such a procedure would have been smooth by now. No one is explaining what the problem could really be — the Delhi Police say they have not received a copy of the gazette notification they are usually sent, the STA says they have sent the document.
The auto booths that function in areas like railway stations, the airport, etc., and are run by the police have been chaotic ever since the hike was implemented. "There were arguments everyday between the commuters and irate auto-drivers. We could not implement the new fares without any orders," said a traffic policeman.
Now, though there are autos available at these booths, they are functioning without the interface of a pre-paid system. "It's ironical that while the Delhi government is planning to introduce pre-paid auto booths run by resident welfare associations, even those currently existing have been shut down," said Tarun Goel, a commuter.
Delhi Transport Minister Ajay Maken has rubbished the Delhi Police's claim. He said, “The STA had issued the gazette notification on February 5. The move of the Delhi Traffic Police is most unfortunate. How can they say that they have not received the notification?”
DCP (Traffic) New Delhi range Arun Kampani, who issued the orders for closing the booths from Monday evening, was not available for comment.
"If the traffic police does not implement the new fares, the Delhi government can even consider the transport department taking over all pre-paid auto booths," said government sources.
Bureau Report
