Auto drivers protest, seek ban on private cabs

GURGAON: Hundreds of autorickshaw drivers protested outside the offices of Gurgaon's deputy commissioner and police commissioner on Tuesday. They demanded a ban on private taxis which are operating under tourist permits and sought proper auto stands.
Gurgaon currently has more than 22,000 autos which are frequently criticised for creating a nuisance and for overcharging.However, auto drivers complained on Tuesday that the cops misbehave with them as well as challan them despite their following traffic norms. Therefore, if there are proper stands to park autos, there will be no congestion on roads or outside metro stations because of them, the representatives of the auto union said.
The protesters gave a list of about 52 spots in the city where there is an urgent need for auto stands, including MG Road, Railway Station, Civil Hospital, Subhash Chowk, etc.
District auto union president Mahabir Singh said an auto stand could solve many problems by keeping tabs on details such as how much fare is being charged, which driver took which passenger to which place, etc.
"That way the passengers will feel safer even at odd hours. On our part, we will ensure that all drivers at the stands wear proper uniform and are verified," Singh said.
Besides, the drivers demanded that diesel autos, which are older than 10 years, should be allowed to continue to ply on city roads. The union alleged that certain cab and shuttle companies were ferrying passengers despite having a tourist permit, and they should be stopped immediately. Pawan Choudhary, Gurgaon president for Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh said many drivers with complete documents facing police harassment.