Police flag off pink autos in Ghaziabad after RTA fails the task

Ghaziabad: The much-awaited pink autos for women commuters were finally rolled out on Ghaziabad roads. SSP K S Emmanuel on Tuesday flagged off the first batch of 20 pink autos. Another 300 are ready to be launched soon. An initiative of Ghaziabad Police, the pink auto service was launched keeping in mind the safety of women.

Emmanuel said, “Ideally, the regional transport office should have started the pink auto service in the city, but it failed to do so even after five months as there were no takers. So we went ahead and collaborated with the auto union and launched the service on Tuesday.”
He added, “In the first batch, we have introduced 20 pink autos, which will be stationed at four spots – Kaushmabhi and Vaishali Metro stations, Old Bus Stand and Railway Station – in batches of five. They will operate in the entire municipal area 24×7.”

Emmanuel said the autos were safe as the drivers’ backgrounds had been verified, down to their immediate family members. “We have issued ID cards to drivers, carrying their photographs and all other details. The women’s helpline number has been engraved on the autos, so that commuters can make calls in case of any emergency,” he said. Though the pink autos are meant only for women, a male attendant or relative can accompany women passengers. While the fare is on a par with other autos, pink autos will be given preference at CNG stations and parking lots.
Speaking about the small number of such autos, Emmanuel said, “This is the first step we have taken. A proposal of 300 more such autos has been sent to the district magistrate. We will soon hold a meeting with the Meerut range commissioner, the RTO and the DM, to expedite the process.”