Passengers using the Kalyan West Lalchowki auto stand have reported waiting 10 to 20 minutes for rides after drivers allegedly refused shorter fares and prioritised passengers travelling to Shree Complex in Aadharwadi, according to a report by Loksatta – Thane published on September 6.
The complaints concern the auto stand near Kalyan railway station, where passengers travelling towards Lalchowki say drivers often decline their fares while waiting for groups headed to Shree Complex. The longer route reportedly offers a higher fare, prompting some drivers to prefer those passengers over people travelling to the earlier Lalchowki stop.
Lalchowki lies before Shree Complex on the route from Kalyan West railway station through Shivaji Chowk and Sahajanand Chowk. Passengers told Loksatta that drivers can legally carry people travelling to intermediate destinations along the route, but alleged that some drivers refuse to do so when they expect a more profitable trip.
The problem is being reported during both morning and evening peak periods. The Lalchowki area includes schools, colleges, hospitals and private establishments. While the walk from the railway station can take about 30 minutes, an auto-rickshaw ride generally takes 10 to 15 minutes, making the service important for commuters travelling to work and for other passengers using the area’s institutions.
According to the report, passengers arriving from local trains are sometimes directed from one driver to another after asking for a Lalchowki ride. In some cases, four or five drivers allegedly refuse the fare or point passengers towards another vehicle. When a passenger travelling to Shree Complex arrives, drivers are reported to accept the trip and wait for additional passengers heading to the same destination.
Passengers have sought surprise inspections and punitive action by traffic officials and the Regional Transport Office during morning and evening hours. They have also asked authorities to act against drivers who refuse fares at the stand. The complaints include allegations that commuters are regularly delayed by around 10 to 15 minutes before finding a vehicle willing to accept the shorter trip.
The report said that traffic and RTO officials had taken action against drivers accused of similar conduct a few months earlier. It did not specify the number of vehicles penalised, the exact penalties imposed or whether a fresh inspection has been ordered following the latest complaints.
Santosh Navale, working president of the Kalyan City Rickshaw Drivers and Owners Association, said the association did not support drivers who refuse fares. He said passengers arriving at the stand should be taken to their requested destinations and that the RTO should take appropriate action against drivers who reject fares.
The latest complaints place the focus on enforcement at shared auto stands, where passengers depend on drivers to accept trips to intermediate stops. Any action by the traffic department or RTO at the Lalchowki stand would determine whether the reported fare refusals are found to violate applicable transport rules.
