Udupi: Move to enhance passenger safety - Software, id card for autos launched
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SM/DV)
Udupi, Nov 1: With a view to enhance safety of passengers in auto rickshaws and taxis and make the drivers more responsible and accountable, the police department has developed a software that will maintain detailed information of auto rickshaw and taxi drivers in Udupi district.
The software was launched by IGP (western range) Pratap Reddy here on Friday November 1. The project has been implemented throughout Udupi district on a pilot basis with immediate effect and will be extended to Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Chikmagalur soon.
As per the new rule, every auto and taxi driver should enrol himself in the 'travel safety register' in the police station in his area. The sub-inspector in every station will scrutinize the registration form and provide a display card with a unique identity number. This card will include all the details about the driver and help the passenger to identify him.
The should be compulsorily displayed behind the driver's seat so that it is easily visible to the passenger. The drivers are required to register themselves before the end of this month.
For the next two months, the project will be implemented on a trial basis, and after January it will be made compulsory. A driver who fails to display the id card will be fined Rs 2,000. Police will start checking the autos and taxis to ensure that the rule is followed strictly.
Sometimes, the auto or taxi may be driven by a different driver temporarily. Even in such cases, the driver and id card should match. For example, if the make-shift driver takes over in the absence of the actual driver, he should be first authorized by the police department with the id (display) card, which should be displayed in the vehicle while he is driving. If the passenger finds that the driver and the display card do not match, a complaint can be sent on the spot through SMS to 9480805400 (mentioned in the display card), and immediate action will be taken, the IGP said. Only those with valid driving licence will be issued the card, he added.
The IGP said that this move will definitely be helpful for passengers in tackling harassment. The database in the software will help in quick identification of the driver whenever the need arises. Moreover, the id card will include details like the driver's blood group, contact details and address, which will enable one to respond to driver's need in case of any emergency, like medical assistance.
At times, the passengers forget their belongings in the auto rickshaw or taxi. In such cases, if the detail in the id card is provided, the police can trace the vehicle easily.
He further said that though it is not a new system, it is being implemented in Udupi for the first time and the id card is more detailed than in other places. Soon, another id card will be issued with details of the vehicle, like name of owner, registration number etc.
Superintendent of police Dr Boralingaiah was present.