5,500 NCR auto drivers to get permits

NEW DELHI: Travel in the NCR may finally get easier. The transport department will issue 5,500 permits to drivers for plying their autorickshaws in the area, a senior government official said. "The notification will come out in a few days," added the official.
These permits were given to corporate houses for running the auto service in the NCR. But the matter went to court after a bidder objected to the process and the project was put on hold.With the unions objecting to the corporates' involvement, transport minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said the remaining permits would be given to individuals.
A transport official said they were waiting for HC's order on the issue. "Once that is out, we will issue the notification," he said. The project was mooted last year with the previous government's nod. The permits were to be given as per the Reciprocal Common Transport Agreement between the governments of Delhi, Haryana and UP.
This good news for thousands of commuters who travel between Delhi and the neighbouring areas, and have no option other than the Metro. At present, autorickshaws plying in Delhi are not allowed to travel to the neighbouring states and vice versa.
Commuters have to fork out a huge amount to make the trip as autorickshaws plying illegally make a killing. Along the border areas, especially in places like Indirapuram, Noida and Mahipalpur, these autorickshaws ply as shared autos.
Delhi government's earlier decision to allow Gramin Sewa in these areas got a number of complaints of rash driving and overloading. Sources in the transport department said that these new autorickshaw permits are expected to provide a legitimate and safe alternative to commuters. At present, the Delhi Metro goes to some areas in the NCR but has a very restricted reach.