Identification stickers provided to autorickshaws plying from Bhubaneswar railway station stand. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, July 6: The government railway police in collaboration with autorickshaw associations here started a drive last week to curb crimes involving autorickshaw drivers.

In a bid to prevent and detect such crimes, the railway police provided a specially designed logo carrying the identification number to nearly 200 autorickshaws operating from the railway station to paste it on their vehicles.

Inspector in-charge of railway police station Soubhagya Kumar Swain said that this would help identifying auto-rickshaws operating from the railway station and those plying elsewhere in the city.

“We have kept all data pertaining to the vehicles as well as their drivers. On the basis of our records, it will be easier for the authorities to prevent any kind of mischief being played by the drivers. It will also help in detecting offences if committed by them,” said Swain.

The initiative by railway police comes after the introduction of the pink auto service for women in the twin cities. Swain said that their effort is also to provide a safe ride to people who hire auto-rickshaws from the railway station. “We, too, are giving importance to the safety of our passengers particularly women,” said Swain.

The city police, as well as their railway counterparts, have been criticised in the past for not controlling crimes such as drug-and-loot cases.

On April 8 last year, officials of both Government Railway Police and Railway Protection Force had arrested 10 members of two such gangs that included mostly auto-rickshaw drivers.

Besides, there are frequent complaints about over charging and harassment of passengers. The autorickshaws have been given logos that have been affixed on front and rear side of the vehicle.

An official said: “Just like the pre-paid taxi system, representatives of autorickshaw association will maintain a register in which a passenger’s detail at the time of the vehicle leaving the stand will be recorded. In case passengers leave their luggage behind in the vehicle, it will also help in tracing them,” said the official.

“We found many allegations against our drivers who indulge in crimes. These illegitimate activities of few operators were getting us a bad name. That’s why we decided to take this step. We are hopeful that it will help passengers, auto operators as well law enforcement agencies,” said Naba Kishore Mohanty, president of Capital Autorickshaw Association.

Passengers have also welcomed the move.

“ I hope this is a noble step taken with good intention. But, it’s to be seen how much the project will be effective,” said Swarup Routray, a frequent train passenger.