Delhi autos will soon go to Gurgaon, Noida as well

The Delhi government is looking at providing permits to 8,000 auto-rickshaw drivers for inter-state travel to UP and Haryana.

The move, which will make commuting to Noida and

Gurgaon easier, comes under a common reciprocal agreement signed by the three states.

At present, the city auto-rickshaw ferry passengers only up to Delhi borders.

Officials said 4,000 permits each will be given for UP and Haryana, of the 45,000 new permits that are to be issued by the Transport department in accordance with Supreme Court order.

The policy is waiting for government approval, which officials expect to receive in a month's time.

"The Central government has given permission to issue 4,000 permits for each state, so that autos from the city can travel to UP and Haryana. This has been done to ensure inter-state flow. We have also written letters to both the state governments regarding this. Officials from Ghaziabad have already visited us to come to an understanding on how this will work. Till now, autos were stopped at the borders and it inconvenienced people travelling to areas like Gurgaon, Noida, Ghaziabad, Faridabad, etc. Autos provide for a cheaper mode of travel than cabs and are more comfortable than buses,'' said a Transport official.

Transport department wants to keep the fare and fuel used by the autos to remain the same as that of Delhi.

"We feel that only CNG autos should ply and the fare be kept the same as that charged by Delhi autos. These autos will have a special permit with NCR logos so that they can be differentiated from other autos,'' said the official.

The Delhi government plans to form a group of ministers, which will decide on issuing of the new permits. Sources said the group of ministers will suggest a policy that benefits all sections.

... contd.

ALSO READ

Pawar to seek special package for state

Verdict in Dec 16 rape case expected by month-end: Neeraj Kumar

China incursion: Both sides withdraw troops from Daulat Beg Oldi sector

Sonia Gandhi consults A K Antony on Pawan Bansal issue