Transport dept to bring back helpline

The Transport Department has decided to resurrect a 24x7 helpline that allowed Delhiites to register complaints against vehicles.

The helpline, 42-400-400, has been defunct since two years, said a senior government official. According to the official, the helpline would work out of a call centre functioning round-the-clock. It would be tasked with attending to complaints related to vehicles emitting excess smoke, providing general information about registration and driving licences, among other options.

Complaints, feedback

It would also provide information about the fare of Three Seated Rickshaws (TSR), taxis and public service vehicles, besides providing feedback about inquiries regarding action taken on complaints.

“The contract of the agency managing the helpline had expired. A fresh tender has been floated. Once the service provider is roped in, the government will advertise the number,” the official said.

Departmental estimates posit that the helpline could receive as many as 50,000 calls per month, or attend to as many as 69 calls per hour. The department is also creating a one-stop app to help new drivers seeking learner’s licences. The app, which is in its initial stages of development, would also offer information about documents needed to apply for a licence.