Kozhikode: Thousands of auto rickshaws who line up for the pre-paid system at Kozhikode railway station cry ill-treatment and loss of revenue due to the indifferent attitude of authorities.
The pre-paid counter system at the entrance is becoming weak as a fallout of the closure of the entry near the escalator.
Railway sources told DC that the entry had been closed as per safety requirement based on a report by the intelligence bureau.
“Earlier, passengers who came down the escalator could have direct entry to the pre-paid counter. Now, all have to come through the main entrance, a few metres farther. Families with luggage and children are reluctant to walk towards the counter, and instead prefer autos which pick them up in front of the entrance violating rules,” alleges Sajeev Kumar A.K, an auto driver.
“They charge Rs 750 to the airport whereas it would be Rs 500 in a pre-paid auto. All long distant travels would be canvassed by them leaving only short distance passengers to us,” lamented Sajeev Kumar.
According to sources, only 500-600 trips are going through the pre-paid counter daily. Earlier it was between 1500 and 2000. The lack of a pre-paid counter and policing at the fourth platform enables auto rickshaw drivers to fleece passengers. Even a few porters connive with these auto drivers to canvass for passengers for huge fares.
“The pre-paid counter and presence of police are the only things that can save passengers on the fourth platform,” says P.K Noufal, another auto driver.
In cases when an erring driver is fined by the police for not queuing up at the pre-paid counter, the entire non-pre-paid auto team share the fine thus inspiring the driver to repeat the violation.
