By Ashish Mehta
Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 23: The commissionerate police has been mulling expansion of ‘pink auto service’ in the city. Already the city has 200 pink autos in operation.
Bhubaneswar deputy commissioner of police Satyabrata Bhoi said, “We are planning to expand the pink auto service to ensure greater safety to commuters.”
Both women and men can board pink autos. “People are under the notion that only women can travel in pink autos. Even men can use pink autos,” Bhoi stressed.
The DCP asserted pink auto drivers’ antecedents are verified by the police. “The pink auto service is safe as their drivers’ details are registered with the police,” he said.
Bhoi’s comment came in the wake of the recent incident in Jatni where an auto driver allegedly tried to abduct a minor girl unsuccessfully. “We will take stringent action against such misdeeds,” he assured.
Around 1000 pink autos will be operational soon in the city. Pink taxis were being considered for introduction in the city but the plan was dropped as many commuters here prefer auto-rickshaws to cabs.
Recently, five pink auto kiosks were inaugurated and they are available at Master Canteen, Vani Vihar, Jayadev Vihar, KIIT Square and Baramunda bus stand. Earlier, the pink auto service was inaugurated by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik in the city June 2, 2014.