Now, auto-rickshaws to have unique ID to prevent crime in Ludhiana

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 30

To make people feel safe while travelling alone in auto-rickshaws, the Ludhiana Commissionerate Police have launched a special drive to verify all the auto-rickshaws by equipping them with a unique ID and linking it with a mobile application ‘SafeAutoPb’.

Commissioner of Police Rakesh Agrawal, who launched the drive and an Android mobile application by pasting reflective stickers bearing unique ID on auto-rickshaws here on Wednesday, said using the ‘SafeAutoPb’ app passengers can verify the credentials of the auto-rickshaw driver.

“As soon as the passenger will enter the unique ID number in the application, all the details, including the driver’s photo, auto-richshaw’s exterior and interior photos, besides its registration detail will appear on the mobile screen,” he said, adding that the move aims to provide sense of safety and security to passengers, especially women, who have to travel alone in auto-rickshaws at odd hours.

How to register for unique ID

Commissioner of Police Rakesh Agrawal said anyone wanting to register his auto-rickshaw will have to visit the nearest Saanjh Kendra with all necessary documents like the driving licence, RC, permit, address proof, etc. He said the Saanjh Kendra will use the ‘SafeAutoPB’ software’s official login to capture details of the owner, driver, auto-rickshaw and upload copies of all relevant documents and generate a unique ID, of which four reflective stickers will be pasted inside and outside of the verified auto-rickshaw. He added that whenever a new driver is employed by the auto-rickshaw owner, it will be the responsibility of the owner to get the details of the new driver updated in the software by visiting the Saanjh Kendra.

The CP said once the database of auto-rickshaws is created it will also help prevent crime as the registered auto-rickshaw drivers would be afraid to commit crime using their verified autos. Apart from this it will be easy to identify the accused in case anyone commits crime using an unregistered auto-rickshaw.

The CP said the Joint CP, Traffic, will be the nodal officer for the smooth conduct of the drive and police will be charging Rs 150 for covering the cost of stickers and driver’s verification for which proper receipt will be issued from the Saanjh Kendra.

“It is mandatory for every auto-rickshaw owner to get his vehicle registered with the unique ID, otherwise, strict action will be taken against those auto-rickshaw owners who are not having proper documents and permits in future,” said Joint CP, Traffic, Deepak Pareek.

Pareek also urged the residents of Ludhiana to prefer travelling in auto-rickshaws which have unique ID pasted on them. In case of any suspicion, the passenger can immediately call the Police Control Room at helpline number 112, he added.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.