Auto wallahs turn opportunists during lockdown

Aurangabad, March 13:

Today was the first day of the two-days long complete lockdown in the city. However, the autos were instructed to carry two passengers or would have to face action. As a result, the majority of the autorickshaws were off the roads. Hence, only a few rickshaws were seen moving in the city. These few auto wallahs left no opportunity in charging exorbitantly from the passengers against dropping them at the bus stands or the railway station to encash the situation.

These auto wallahs made several trips from various of the city to the bus stands and the railway station. The city wore a deserted look since the morning. The much sought public transport (Smart City Bus) was not in operations. The majority of auto wallahs (in large number) preferred to stay at their homes. Hence there was no option left with the citizens travelling by train or bus, but to hire those autorickshaws seen plying on the roads.

To evade action, the auto wallahs were driving with two passengers only as the administration had threatened of taking penal action if passengers are beyond permissible capacity. If any vehicle violates the traffic rules, the cops take the vehicle's photo, and the fine receipt comes on his cellphone the next day.

The rickshaws were spotted at the stands near the hospitals, bus stands and railway station. Meanwhile, the citizens responded positively to the appeal made by the authorities to stay in their homes and help in breaking the spreading chain of the Coronavirus in the city.