Bengal to open 24x7 helpline to keep auto drivers in check

Kolkata: To curb the recklessness of auto rickshaws, the West Bengal government would open a 24x7 helpline before the coming festive season, state Transport Minister Subhendu Adhikari said here on Tuesday.

Complaints can be lodged by calling up the toll free number. 

"Passengers will be able to lodge complaints against the offending drivers to police or to motor vehicles department in case of any problem. Also, the auto route management commission is instructed to control the inflated auto fair on all the routes," Adhikari said.

Meanwhile, the city-based auto rickshaw unions are set to impose a clump of regulations on auto drivers.

"The auto drivers are instructed not to play loud music or strap LED lights inside the auto. The drivers are also warned not misbehave with the passengers under any circumstances or charge more than the fare regulated by the union," said a union leader said.

Kolkata has seen four people die in three separate auto accidents attributed to reckless driving in the past one week.