To address complaints regarding overcharging, refusal of service, and misconduct by auto-rickshaw, taxi, Ola, and Uber drivers, a dedicated WhatsApp helpline number will soon be launched for the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Passengers facing issues with drivers can register their complaints through this number said,Transport Minister Pratap Sarnaik on Thursday .
He was speaking at a meeting held in Bandra East regarding complaints about the unruly behavior of auto and taxi drivers in areas like Bandra and Khar railway stations. Bandra East MLA Varun Sardesai and officials from the Motor Transport Department were also present.
MLA Varun Sardesai highlighted that passengers in Bandra, Khar, and Andheri railway station areas frequently face issues such as overcharging, misconduct, and drivers refusing to take them to their desired destinations. He urged the Transport Department to take immediate action.
Minister Sarnaik directed the Motor Transport Department and traffic police to form a joint task force to conduct frequent inspections in areas where passengers face such harassment. Currently, a separate helpline is available for different RTO regions. According to the minister, instead of separate regional helpline numbers, a single helpline for the entire MMR will be launched within a week and widely publicized. This will enable passengers to lodge complaints more efficiently.
Sarnaik also directed the Transport Department to issue notices to errant drivers based on received complaints. In severe cases, their licenses could even be revoked.
Chiplun Bus Depot Construction to Begin Soon
The long-pending construction of the Chiplun bus depot will commence in April, as per instructions given to the concerned authorities, Minister Sarnaik announced during a meeting on various issues related to the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation (MSRTC).
The meeting was attended by Food and Drug Administration Minister Narhari Zirwal, Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Dattatraya Bharne, MLAs Shekhar Nikam, Suhas Babar, former MLA Chandrakant Raghuvanshi, and senior MSRTC officials.
