In order to curb traffic chaos and menace unleashed by the errant auto rickshaw drivers in the city coupled with reports of tourist harassment and crimes, the police on Thursday commissioned two prepaid auto rickshaw counters at the exit and entrance gates of the Puri bus-stand.
SP Asish Kumar Singh inaugurated the pre-paid auto rickshaw counters. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Singh said these counters would be operated by the police personnel and two more counters would be opened at the railway station and other important places.
The police would maintain a database of all auto drivers and operators while no driver with criminal record would be allowed to operate. The drivers found intoxicated during driving would lose their licence while the owners would be taken to task. The rate chart for different places was displayed at the counter monitored by the CCTV cameras. Drivers would be provided uniforms while driving.
Besides, the autos would bear the details of the driver including licence, registration number with photo in the rickshaw.
Singh said round the clock policing of the temporary bus stand at Talabania, Balighat, Mangalaghat and along the beach was made to ensure safety of visitors and residents. District auto rickshaw confederation leaders Srikant Parija and Durga Charan Khuntia and the road transport officer were present.