Irate passengers block road against 'tyranny' of auto drivers

Kolkata: Huge traffic congestion occurred at Ultadanga, following a road blockade against the tyranny of auto drivers of the Ultadanga-Salt Lake route. According to the police, passengers became furious as auto drivers have been demanding excessive fare for any destination within the route.

The situation worsened after some auto drivers demanded Rs 50 instead of the usual fare of Rs 10. When some passengers protested and tried to board a bus, the auto drivers allegedly prevented them from doing so.

According to some passengers, auto drivers were using filthy language. "Auto drivers were demanding excessive fare for Viswakarma Puja. But it is unfair to increase fares in such a manner. When we protested and tried to get a bus, auto drivers forced us against doing the same. This tyranny must come to an end," said a passenger.

Police sources informed that there are two kind of autos which run between Ultandanga and Salt Lake. Autos which operate using a queue do not take random passengers while taking a U-turn near the Ultadanga bus terminus.

The other autos start taking passengers immediately after taking the U-turn. They often charge more than the normal fare.

On Tuesday, some autos demanded up to Rs 200 for several destinations, citing Viswakarma Puja. This sparked the ire of the passengers. Almost after an hour, the road blockade was removed. Three protesters were detained and later released.

Directions have been given to lodge an FIR against those who were involved in the incident. At the same time, additional buses are also being plied at Ultadanga.