RailEnquiry

The scary prospect of haggling with auto drivers who refuse to charge by the meter and exorbitant taxi fares seem to have worked together to ensure the success of the pre-paid taxi booth recently introduced at New Delhi Railway Station.

Since its launch on May 9, officials say the booth, which was built closer to the platforms than the older one, has led to a rise of nearly 1.5 times in taxi and three- wheel scooter rickshaw ( TSR) bookings.

At the previous booth, an average of 400 autos and 90 taxis were booked every day. But at the new one, the number stands at an estimated 600 autos and 135 taxis daily.

Apart from the fact that the booth is closer to the platforms and thus more convenient for passengers, railway officials claim the clearly defined fare chart and disciplined operations that have made it a success.

The success of the initiative, a joint venture of the Northern Railways and Delhi Traffic Police, there are plans in the pipeline to open similar booths at other stations in the city, as also at New Delhi station’s Paharganj side.

"Based on the feedback received, we’re now working on introducing more such booths at other stations as well," A.K. Sachan, Divisional Railway Manager, said.

Meanwhile, the congestion at the existing stall on the Ajmeri Gate entry/ exit has prompted the Northern Railway to effect a modification in the layout. The revamp work has started and likely to be completed in three months. The Northern Railway is also planning to strictly restrict entry into the pre- paid lane to taxis and autos under the system. The railway authorities are constructing a separate round- about for autos and cabs that don’t want to ply by prepaid fares.