Traffic police and railway authorities are working towards setting up more pre-paid auto stands at Kachiguda, Begumpet and Nampally railway stations, which can ease the travel of rail passengers. In an order passed by the government, has asked the officials of the Traffic Police Department and South Central Railway (SCR) along with the auto unions to form a committee and chalk out modalities to set up the new pre-paid auto stands.

“The SCR is yet to give names of its members who will be on the committee. Once they do that, the committee will be formed. The auto stands will be run on a contract basis, for which an open tender will be called,” explained the official.

“This will also help ensure safety of women, as all details of the travel will be recorded. It saves time for commuters as well,” a Road Transport Authority (RTA) official said.

“I usually end up paying Rs.30 or a little more on the total amount when I use the prepaid services as compared to the meter fare. But the plus side is that when I arrive at the station early in the morning or late at night, auto drivers cannot ask for exorbitant fares,” said a passenger.

About 65,000, 40,000 and 30,000 passengers travel via the Kachiguda, Nampally and Begumpet railway stations respectively. This initiative will be a very big boon to the passengers. Passengers can approach the counter of the prepaid auto stand and inform the personnel where he / she wants to go. A token for Rs.3 in generated, which will have the details of the travel and the distance. Based on that, fares have been fixed and the amount has to be paid.

Prepaid auto services will be working for 24 / 7. The fares at the prepaid stands may be a little higher than what is charged by the meter, but the travellers said, that having to pay a fixed amount rather than going by tampered meters is a better option.

By Premji