Night travellers harassed by auto drivers near Bokaro station The 9km journey from Nayamoad to Bokaro railway station, especially late in the evening, is nothing less than an ordeal thanks to rogue auto drivers. Unlike other cities, Bokaro railway station is situated far away from the township. Autos plying at night demand exorbitant fares and even misbehave with passengers who protest. At least 35 trains pass through Bokaro railway station, of which more than a dozen important trains are scheduled at night. More than 5,000 commuters come to the station each day. Those without any private vehicle have to be at the mercy of auto drivers. Though most people prefer shuttle vehicles, drivers force them to hire instead of sharing the total fare. To avoid harassment, passengers often leave home early and wait at the station for hours. Residents blame the administration for such inconvenience. "Administrative authorities should control unnecessary fares charged by autos," said Ashok Srivastava, a banker and a frequent traveller. Residents and social organizations have many a times urged the district transport department to keep control over untimely hike in fare by commercial vehicles but in vain. The day fare for travelling from the station to Nayamoad is Rs 110 which jumps to over RS 150 at night. Sanjay Baid of Bokaro Chamber of Commerce and Industries blamed district transport officer Vijay Kumar Gupta for the auto menace. Another problem is security. A 2-km stretch on the route remains dark, turning it into an accident-prone zone. Also, it is unsafe for women to travel at night. But the authorities seem to turn a blind eye to the problem despite several requests from residents. Like other cities the fare rate should be controlled by statutory authorities. While Bokaro Steel Plant, railway and district administration should take steps in installing street lights specially on the road leading to station from Railway Pathak as darkness develop a sense of insecurity among residents plying through there. However, these incidents with the residents are common these days but for authourties it is not an issue. Altercation between auto driver and passengers at auto stand of station is a random roister. DSP, Traffic Incharge, Mukund Singh said they are looking the matter. Besides, DTO, Bokaro, Vijay Kumar Gupta is unavailable for comment.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 05:18:03 +0000