Chandigarh, September 09: Moving around the union territory of Chandigarh just got easier. Pink coloured auto-rickshaws christened ‘Tuk Tuk’, which can be ordered to your doorsteps, were flagged off here Wednesday.
These three-wheeler auto rickshaws are enabled with global positioning system (GPS) and are connected to mobile and landline networks.
“This innovative programme is first of its kind in the country through which the customers can call an auto rickshaw to their doorstep, round the clock, by just dialling 4242424. Travellers can also board these autos from the stands especially earmarked for them,” said Vandana Disodia, secretary of state transport authority, here Wednesday.
The charges are fixed at Rs.10 for the first kilometre and Rs.8 for subsequent kilometres while between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. there would be an extra charge of 25 percent.
The concept of ‘Tuk-Tuk’ auto-rickshaw was launched in Chandigarh Aug 10 but Home Secretary Ram Niwas formally flagged off this service on city roads Wednesday.
As many as 10 Tuk-Tuk radio auto-rickshaws, which were flagged off Wednesday, also had two female drivers in the fleet.
“There are no hidden charges. Waiting charges would be around Rs.30 for an hour. However, no charges would be liable for the first fifteen minutes,” Disodia added.
At present, this service has been launched only in Chandigarh but gradually it would be extended to neighbouring towns of Panchkula and Mohali.
—IANS