To rein in autorickshaw drivers refusing to ferry passengers at night, the Transport Department’s plan to implement colour coding of autorickshaws is still lying in cold storage. The proposed policy was delayed due to the recently held lok Sabha elections and the strong opposition by autorickshaw drivers demanding eight-hour shift under the labor Act. However, officials said a final decision on the policy is expected next month.
According to officials, the project has been hanging fire since last year as there has been opposition from autorickshaw unions. Unions have opposed the colour coding proposal since its inception as they felt drivers would be subject to penalties if they refused to ply. They argue that off duty drivers are the ones who refuse to ferry passengers and the colour code would not really help identify them.
As per the policy, the Transport Department plans to ensure that passengers looking to hire an autorickshaw are not refused a ride, especially in the evening.
The city will be divided into six parts based on traffic zones. While Central, New Delhi and North will comprise one zone, South-West Delhi and Trans-Yamuna will be another. The other zones would be South, West, North-West and Outer Delhi. Each zone will be represented by a colour, which will be reflected on autorickshaws to identify where they are headed. The front and the rear of the autorickshaw will prominently display the colour of its zone with the zone name emblazoned in contrasting colour on the band.
The policy, however, will be applicable only after sundown and drivers refusing to ferry passengers will be penalised. Interestingly, the colour code is to be allotted to an autorickshaw driver only if he opts for it.“Six months earlier, the project was forwarded to higher authorities for a final confirmation but the decision is still awaited. The project was also delayed due to objections by autorickshaw unions, which felt they would be subject to penalties if they refused to ply. We are expecting a final decision next month,” said an official in the Transport Department.
Meanwhile, auto unions claimed that with the implementation of this policy, they would lose the right to choose and will be penalised easily. “The introduction of coloured strips may address the malaise of refusal but it curbs our freedom of choice. Before implementation of this colour code project, eight-hour work shifts should be enforced,” said Rajender Soni, Delhi Pradesh Taxi and Auto Union.