Nano To Be Common Man’s Auto Rickshaw In JK

Srinagar, Jan 11: Jammu and Kashmir may become the first state to use the “dream car” – Tata Nano, in commercial segment as mini-taxi.
State Transport Department in this regard has received applications here seeking permission to run Nano in commercial segment as mini cars on tariff charged by auto rickshaws within the jurisdictions of Srinagar Development Authority and Jammu Development Authority.
Sources told Greater Kashmir that the Transport Department is seriously considering the proposal to permit the dream car in commercial segment.
The department has issued a notification calling for “willingness” from the desirous parties in this regard.
However, Transport Commissioner, Mehraj Kakroo said: “We have received proposals from private players intending to use Nano cab as a commercial vehicle to ferry passengers on the tariff being charged by the auto rickshaws.”
Kakroo said the Transport department has asked private parties to submit detailed proposals/“willingness”.
As per the notification of the Department, before considering the matter the applicants should have provision of parking lots, well maintained office with all facilities like telephone, etc.
The service will have a city-based permit and will run only within the SDA and JDA jurisdiction.
Sources said the Transport department has made it clear that Nano cabs registered for commercial purposes should have a GPS system to track the location of the taxis and payment can be made as per the meter reading to avoid excess billing.
As per the specification of the scheme, every motor cab at the time of induction shall be preferably brand new or else not more than two-years old.
“The vehicle must be equipped with temperature-control devices such as air conditioning and heating and maintained in proper working order at all times.”
The government also intends to provide the operators options of white, red and black colours to chose for the taxies.
Notably the developments of registering the state government have come after few months when state government decided to ply radio taxis in the two cities.
Meanwhile Tata automobile dealers expressed their concern over the proposal stating the commercialization of Nano Cab will diminish its value.
“When Tata Nano cab will be used as an auto rickshaw, people will lose their interest in purchasing the car as others would make fun of them,” said an executive of Tata Motors here.