Blue autorickshaws to hit Gurgaon roads

The public transport system in Gurgaon has got a major boost in the last few months and interestingly, most of the initiatives have been taken by private entrepreneurs. Sanjeev K Ahuja reports.

The public transport system in Gurgaon has got a major boost in the last few months and interestingly, most of the initiatives have been taken by private entrepreneurs.

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In yet another effort to address intra-city transport needs, Autocall, another radio auto rickshaw service with 30 GPS-fitted vehicles are all set to hit the roads on Sunday.

On lines of the Tuk Tuk service, these new CNG-run autos, painted in a distinct blue colour, will be available on call at a tariff of R10 per kilometre.

The facility will be available from 6.30 am and 11.30pm and the helpline number is 0124-4844444.

With additional features to ensure the safety of passengers, the new travel option is pitted to be a hit among women.

"It is a safe option as our autos are constantly under surveillance. Our initiative has the backing of a modern computerised communication and dispatch system.

Global positioning system (GPS)-based online tracking systems monitor the vehicles. The new TVS radio autorickshaws are further equipped with electronic tamper proof meters and all safety measures like an emergency switch, microphone and speaker, immobiliser, fire extinguisher and first aid kits," said 28-year-old Vineet Goel, owner of the service.

DCP (traffic) Bharti Arora will flag off the Autocall service on Sunday from DLF City Club in DLF Phase 4.

Sumit Choudhary of Choudhary Motors, that has supplied 50 TVS King autos for the Tuk Tuk service, said the Autocall three-wheelers are blue while the tuk tuks are red.

"We have specially painted the new autos blue as was demanded by Autocall. The make of the autos is the same," he added.

"Our state-of-the-art customer contact centre will cater to travel needs of customers for even short distances of 1 kilometre also. Passengers would be charged R1 for every 100 metres. Every driver undergoes stringent training and a verification process. We make sure he has knowledge about city roads," Goel said.