Autorickshaw drivers operating out of Puducherry Railway Station staged a road roko protesting introduction of PRTC bus services from the station on Monday.
Nearly 60 autorickshaws ply from the auto stand at the railway station.
“Introduction of PRTC buses will affect our livelihood. We have not had a customer since morning. Already private buses and tempos are plying through this road. We spend at least Rs. 30,000 a month towards maintenance of the autos. How are we going to fend for our family if this situation continues?” asked an autorickshaw driver.
He added that they were ready to run the autos at any reasonable price fixed by the government. “We are ready to go for prepaid service and install meters. However, the government should ensure that a reasonable rate is fixed keeping in view the increasing fuel prices,” they said.
The angry drivers continued their protest till noon and the police had to intervene.
Services to continue
“The PRTC bus services will continue to ply from Puducherry Railway Station. Earlier, we did not have a regular bus service from the railway station. From Monday, there would be three dedicated bus services plying from here,” said Transport Commissioner S.D. Sundaresan. He said that they have sought help from the police to address the problem with auto drivers. Mr. Sundaresan added that even prepaid auto services will be launched soon.
Mooted by LG
On Sunday, Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi mooted the introduction of prepaid auto system after inspecting the railway station.
Meanwhile, the PRTC started operating buses from the railway station to the new bus stand to help passengers proceeding to Jipmer, GH and Kalapet.
