Government plans phase out; drivers up in arms against the proposal. Commuters say it would be a welcome step
Government plans phase out; drivers up in arms against the proposal. Commuters say it would be a welcome step
They emit lesser smoke but are synonymous with nuisance on road; considered pocket-friendly for lesser fares than taxis, they are known for mugging the customers. They can maneuver easily amid heavy traffic, yet are uncomfortable for the passengers. 
Auto drivers in Delhi are often accused of harassing and overcharging
commuters
Delhi's autos have a very strong reputation to beat.
If the state government has its way, the three-wheeled creatures will soon walk into the sunset. Chief minister Sheila Dikshit told the state assembly that their "service is very poor."
"It is not acceptable. We are exploring ways to phase them out," she said.
"Government was in touch with auto-makers Honda and Bajaj to provide battery-operated, eco-friendly vehicles so that the existing CNG autos could be replaced," the chief minister said.
However, the auto drivers are not obviously amused. They said they would bring the city to a standstill, if the government goes ahead with the proposal.
Reacting to Dikshit's statement on the floor of the House on Wednesday, Delhi Auto-rickshaw Sangh general secretary Rajender Singh Soni told MiD DAY that the government cannot target all of them for the "wrongdoings
of a couple of bad fish in the pond."
ADVERTISEMENT
"The government should first look into the real problems. There is shortage of CNG filling stations. Auto fares are very low. Majority of the autos are owned by a couple of influential people," said Dharmendra Kumar, who runs an auto on rent.
The auto rickshaw union said that they would hold a dharna outside the Delhi Assembly on March 22.
The commuters gave a mixed reaction to the development. "I am glad if such a thing is happening. City auto drivers have made our life hell," said Snigdha Kumari, a fashion designer who lives in south Delhi.
"It's good that government has finally decided to rein them in. But no decision should be taken in haste. The government should formulate a policy so that the new mode does not go the same way," said Sidharth Kumar, an IT professional who lives in Laxmi Nagar.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
