THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Though the city police had convened a meeting with autodrivers at Kazhakootam in hopes to bring a positive change in their behaviour towards passengers, it looks like the attempt has gone in vain.
The drive was launched after Technopark employees lodged complaints with the police about the attitude of the autodrivers who pick them up at the IT park. Though a change was seen in a few, most of the drivers still continue rough behaviour with passengers, especially women techies who work at the IT park.
A non-starter
Meanwhile, the long standing demand for a prepaid counter at Kazhakootam remains a non-starter.
“Most of the drivers still demand double fare for the Technopark trips. Most of them behave like goons. Not even a single techie is spared and they continue to charge exorbitant rates. When we started opting for Uber and Ola, the autodrivers are threatening these cab drivers now. However, the worst scenario is when they misbehave with women,” says Lekshmi Nair, an employee working at a firm in the park.
Though it is hardly two kilometres from Kazhakootam junction to a block inside Technopark, the drivers demand at least Rs 80 or Rs 100, though the fixed rat is Rs 20 for two kilometers. If a passenger is a non-Malayalee, then the charge crosses Rs 100, the techies complain.
Most recently, a women techie was molested by an autodriver, a week ago near Technoaprk. Since the victims were not willing to register a complaint at the police station, the autodriver went scot-free.
When contacted P Anil kumar, Kazhakootam cybercity division, Assistant Commissioner of Police said that they would take action once the complainant is ready to lodge a official complaint.
“ It is a serious issue. But we can take action only after a case is registered, which is why we have asked to to lodge a complaint,” Anil Kumar said.
Since meetings have failed to create a change in the drivers, Anil Kumar added that taking legal action was the best alternative to bring the people to book. “ Meanwhile, we will intensify surveillance on errant drivers”,the ACP said.
Meanwhile, the prepaid autorickshaw counter at Kazhakootam junction may not become a reality soon. The Police said that there were practical difficulties to implement the counter exclusively for Technopark employees.
“ We can’t set up a counter exclusively for Technopark. There are many passengers arriving at Kazhakootam who wish to go to several destinations. We plan to open the counter only after discussing with the city police commsisoner and deputy Commissioner of Police”, Anil Kumar added.
Most of the drivers still demand double fare for the Technopark trips. Most of them behave like goons. Not even a single techie is spared and they continue to charge exorbitant rates