Patna: The Danapur division of East Central Railway (ECR) on Thursday launched Ganga Savari, an application-based taxi service to cater to passengers.

The service was launched at Patna Junction in the presence of station director Nilesh Kumar.

The service has been launched with the help of Bangalore-based Smart Commuting Services Pvt Ltd and would be available from Danapur and Rajendra Nagar Terminal as well.

Ganga Savari can be used to book autorickshaws, taxis and e-rickshaws. The app would facilitate online booking and passengers can make cashless payments by linking their bank accounts with the Airtel Payment Bank.

However, those who do not have mobile phones or smartphones or do not wish to opt for online payments can also book their taxi, autorickshaws and e-rickshaws by making cash payments at the counter opened on the station premises.

Patna Junction station director Nilesh Kumar said: "I assure the service provider that all facilities and support will be provided to them. In the days to come, I hope that the company will launch a counter at the Karbigahiya end of Patna Junction and also at Paltiputra Junction and other stations under ECR. We will discuss this matter with the higher authorities and will try to give all support. As far as facilities are concerned, I think the inclusion of two-wheelers and e-rickshaws under the app is a new feature. This will improve the popularity of the service."

Abdul Jameel, CEO, Airtel Bihar and Jharkhand, was also present on the occasion along with Navin Mishra a.k.a. Mrigank Shekhar, vice-president of the Auto Chalak Transport Union (ACTU) of Patna. Jameel said a discount of Rs 10 would be given to passengers opting for digital payment transactions.

The Ganga Savari app will start with a fleet of 50 autorickshaws and e-rickshaws and 15 four-wheelers, including small cars, mid-size sedans and luxury vehicles.

As of now, the two-wheeler service is not available on the app as it requires necessary permission from the transport department.

For e-rickshaws, the base fare will be Rs 50 and Rs 12 for each kilometre. Similarly, the base for autorickshaws has been fixed at Rs 60 and Rs 15 for every km; small cars Rs 100 and Rs 20; medium sized sedans Rs 150 and Rs 25 and the base fare for luxury cars is Rs 200 and Rs 30 for every kilometre travelled.

Mishra said the safety of passengers is the top priority and all autorickshaws and e-rickshaw drivers have been briefed about it.

"We want to develop a good behaviour culture among auto drivers and strict action would be taken against them if they are found indulging in misdeeds," Mishra said.