Auto drivers bear the brunt of RoB demolition

KOCHI: Amid the changes that happen in the city with the demolition of the North Overbridge, passengers and auto rickshaw drivers at the North Railway Station are the most affected lot. “The other day, when I asked an auto rickshaw driver from the pre-paid stand to take me to the Kaloor bus-stop, he refused”, says Shalini Iyer, a regular commuter. The reluctance of the drivers is mainly because, a trip to Kaloor is not beneficial to them as they have to take longer route while returning owing to the demolition of the overbridge. “We don’t mind going to Kaloor or nearby areas, but it is the return trip that we dread.  Earlier, making a trip to Kaloor for `16 was a convenient, but now it has become a nuisance mainly because we have to travel an extra three kilometers for the same amount”, says an auto rickshaw driver. Since the routes have been diverted, the drivers are forced to return through Kathrikadavu, M G road and Chittoor. The police man who was on duty at the pre-paid counter said,  “We have stopped issuing pre-paid tickets for the passengers because we understand the demand  of the drivers.  Now, we allow them to make their bargain with the passengers. Until, the fare is fixed by the traffic  commissioner, this will continue.”  Speaking on this issue, Traffic Police Commissioner Mohammed Rafique said, “the revision of the auto fare is in progress.  The rates  will come into effect from the day of the demolition of the second bay of the North Overbridge.”