Image used for representational purpose

LUCKNOW: City commuters are up in arms against the idea of banning auto-rickshaws on the Munshipulia-Amausi airport route, saying the move would limit their public transport options, besides robbing hundreds of drivers of their livelihood.

More than 3,500 auto-rickshaws, apart from 80 buses, ferry around 6 lakh people daily on this 23km arterial route, which is the busiest in the state capital.

The district administration had on May 28 formed a committee to examine a request by Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC) to ban the fleet of three-wheelers on the route that also covers the Munshipulia-Amausi Metro corridor. The committee, comprising officials from traffic police, Regional Transport Office and Lucknow Municipal Corporation, is expected to submit its report in seven days.

“We have requested the authorities to ban autos and decongest the artery. That way more people will be willing to take the Metro to work. A similar strategy was applied in Delhi to increase passenger footfall,” contended LMRC’s public relations officer Pushpa Belani.

Daily commuters refused to buy the argument.

Shikhar Verma of Badshahnagar said autos alone weren’t responsible for traffic snarls. “Instead of banning the fleet, the authorities should demarcate auto stands. The only problem with autos is haphazard parking. For that, fines can be imposed,” he suggested.

Kunal Sharma, a commuter in Hazratganj , was more vocal. He said neither the LMRC nor the district administration could dictate how people should travel. “We find autos an affordable and a comfortable commuting option. The authorities must worry about better feeder service to Metro stations instead of withdrawing the fleet of autos,” he said.

Senior citizens argued that autos were more convenient for people with hindered mobility. “I avoid travelling by Metro because of chronic pain in my left ankle. There is always rush at Munshipulia station. I don’t want fresh injury at my age,” said 67-year-old Daya Sinha.

