Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)
Mangaluru, May 6: With a view to streamline traffic and address the problem of shortage of auto stands in the city, the traffic police have conducted a survey. They have now recommended to the city corporation to provide 210 auto stands in the city.
At present there are only 68 authorised auto stands in the city. About 20 among them have lost their existence during the footpath construction, road expansion etc under the Smart City project. Unofficially there are about 300 auto stands here.
If the corporation approves the recommendation and authorises 210 auto rickshaw stands, the number of total authorised auto stands here will go up. At the same time, there are chances of the police removing some of the unauthorised auto stands which create problems for smooth traffic.
As per a joint survey conducted in 2013, it was said that about 500 auto sands can be created here. The corporation session held in 2018-19 had given approval for 241 stands. But it was not implemented. The auto union leaders have urged for providing at least 241 authorised auto stands in the city. The auto rickshaw drivers and owners are peeved at the fact that the Smart City officials have overlooked their demand for proper auto stands, but have planned to develop 20 bus shelters under the Smart City project.
Assistant commissioner of police, M A Nataraj, said that the report is meant to provide authorisation to the auto stands in the city. Mayor Premananda Shetty, says that the corporation is prepared to implement the police report and make 210 auto stands official.