Kalyan: A video posted by Dombivli resident Darshan Parab has once again highlighted the ‘high-handedness’ of autorickshaw drivers.The video, which has gone viral, shows Parab, who is carrying his child, saying that he and his wife, who is holding luggage, have been unable to get an autorickshaw outside Dombivli railway station for more than 30 minutes as several drivers, even if the vehicle is vacant, refuse the short-distance fare. An unidentified man standing next to Parab is heard saying he too has been waiting for an autorickshaw for at least 45 minutes.The video has triggered public outrage, with many citizens echoing similar experiences and demanding action from Regional Transport Office (RTO) against errant auto drivers.Former MLA Pramod (Raju) Patil from MNS took to social media to criticise the state of transport services in Kalyan-Dombivli. Tagging state transport minister Pratap Sarnaik, Patil urged him to take strict action against errant autorickshaw drivers.Patil, in his post, pointed out that Sarnaik himself had once worked as an autorickshaw driver and expressed hope that he would understand the plight of commuters.Patil, in his post, pointed out that Sarnaik himself had once worked as an autorickshaw driver and expressed hope that he would understand the plight of commuters. He also alleged that the transport system in Kalyan-Dombivli has deteriorated, claiming that the influence of certain elements within local rickshaw unions has led to increasing indiscipline among drivers.He demanded that the minister personally visit the region, review the situation on the ground, and ensure strict action against those responsible, as the issue continues to cause inconvenience to daily commuters.
