Taxis, autos to go pre-paid at New Delhi railway station

Are you a victim of harassment at the hands of auto and taxi drivers at the New Delhi Railway station? Then here's something that will cheer you up. The Delhi traffic police and the Northern Railways are jointly working to bring all taxis and autorickshaws under the pre-paid booking system. Subhendu Ray reports.

Are you a victim of harassment at the hands of auto and taxi drivers at the New Delhi Railway station? Then here's something that will cheer you up. The Delhi traffic police and the Northern Railways are jointly working to bring all taxis and autorickshaws under the pre-paid booking system.

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Both authorities are now working out the modalities, including a new traffic circulation plan, for both Ajmeri Gate and Paharganj sides of the station. "The new arrangement will save passengers from harassment by taxis and auto drivers," said a traffic police official.

Officials will meet all stakeholders, including representatives from auto and taxi unions, next week to discuss the proposed project. "The pre-paid system within the railway station does not function properly. Taxi and auto drivers charge exorbitant fares," said an officer of the Northern Railways.

Under the arrangement, all autos and taxis that have pre-paid licences will have to follow the new pre-paid system to take new passengers. "This move will discourage auto and taxi drivers from charging exorbitantly from passengers as they won't be able to charge them directly," said an official.

The traffic police are simultaneously working on a vehicle circulation plan. A number of pre-paid booths will be set up within the premises of the station, keeping the passengers' convenience in mind.