Bhubaneswar: Now, city denizens can book auto-rickshaws through a mobile app, which is to be launched by the All Odisha Auto Chalaka Mahasangha on Thursday.
“Passengers can download the Smart Auto app from Google Play Store to avail the service. The auto-rickshaw drivers, who have received training from Commissionerate Police, will be registered with the app,” said Mahasangha general secretary Padman Kumar Samal.
Of the over 30,000 auto-rickshaws in Bhubaneswar, police and RTO officials have trained around 3,000 drivers in this regard.
Police said the auto-rickshaw drivers will now not be able to levy additional charges on passengers on the pretext of returning without any bookings after dropping them at their destination.
Besides, all auto-rickshaw drivers between 18 and 40 years will be provided with pension cards. They will receive a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 after attaining the age of 60. They will also be provided with insurance policies, Samal said.
He added that the auto drivers will be provided with medical insurance with a cover of up to Rs 3 lakh. In case a driver dies in a road accident, his family will receive Rs 10 lakh compensation.
“On Thursday, about 5,000 auto-rickshaw drivers will be imparted training on lane driving and other aspects,” said DCP Traffic Sagarika Nath.
