Prepaid tele-auto booth in Indore stalled by police's 'no-vehicle' decree

A day after it inaugurated the prepaid tele-auto booth, the Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited (AICTSL) hopes of taking a load off Diwali shoppers' feet have been rudely dashed.

A day after it inaugurated the prepaid tele-auto booth, the Atal Indore City Transport Services Limited (AICTSL) hopes of taking a load off Diwali shoppers' feet have been rudely dashed.

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Mayor Krishna Murari Moghe inaugurated the prepaid booth on Sunday evening. A day later the traffic police declared Rajwada and nearby areas a no-vehicle zone.

"It will not be possible for the autos to enter the area," conceded Karamjit Singh who handles tele-auto operations. He also pointed out that even if autos were allowed inside the no-vehicle zone it would not be possible for them to move as the area surrounding the booth had been taken up by roadside retailers.

The prepaid booth was meant to cater to the needs of the huge number of residents who throng Bartan Bazar, Sarafa, and other markets for Diwali shopping.

"We received a lot of calls from the Rajwada area and sometimes had to arrange 15 auto-rickshaws in a very short time. So we decided to set up a prepaid booth here. Ten auto-rickshaws would be stationed at the booth," said Singh. Tele auto service allows residents to summon a three-wheeler by making a phone call.

Some 200 auto-rickshaws have been included in the service.

Tele-auto phone number
90980-98098

Fare
Rs 15 for first kilometer
Rs 12 for subsequent kilometers
Rs 30 minimum charge.