Transport dept specifies routes for Grameen Sewa

Grameen Sewa, which has come up as alternative mode of transport in the fringes of Delhi, will soon be controlled more efficiently. HT reports.

Grameen Sewa, which has come up as alternative mode of transport in the fringes of Delhi, will soon be controlled more efficiently.

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Acting on complaints of violations of permit rules by shared auto-rickshaws and vans running under the 'Grameen Sewa' scheme, the transport department has notified specified routes for these white and green vehicles.

According to senior transport department officials, the 5000-odd shared auto-rickshaw and vans have been given 66 routes to operate on. Officials say any violation of routes would even lead to cancellation of permit.

Officials said they are also planning to install global position system in these vehicles to ensure efficient and disciplined service. "We will soon make installation of GPS mandatory in these vehicles. Once the system is installed any vehicle violating running away from the school would get identified and permit would be cancelled immediately," said a senior transport department official.

Grameen Sewa connects the arterial roads of the city with rural areas, resettlement and unauthorised colonies that have come up in fringes of the capital. Officials said these vehicles are popular in areas where DTC bus service is not as effective.

The transport department has kept the fare in these vehicles at par with DTC buses to ensure people get an efficient para-transit service at nominal rates. These vehicles are not allowed to cross the Outer Ring Road, a rule which is violated quite often.

"We have asked our enforcement teams to keep a check on over-crowding and route violation by these vehicles," an official said.