HUBBALLI: As the civic authorities are working on restoration of roads in Hubballi city to streamline the traffic movement, the demand for auto stands from auto unions is gaining momentum.
The auto unions have been trying to put pressure on authorities to set up auto stands under the Smart City project since the BRTS project at Hubballi-Dharwad. However, their demand is yet to be met by the authorities.
In Hubballi, Auto Chalakar Hagu Malikar Sangh expressed their ire against the authorities who have neglected the demand of auto unions for years. Based on the suggestions by the officials of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) and police department, the Sangh had proposed 155 auto stands by conducting a detailed study in 2014-15. However, the officials failed to address their grievances or to respond to the long-pending demand.
Hubballi Auto Chalakar Hagu Malikar Sangh president Shekhrayya Mathapati said the officials are focusing on giving a facelift to Hubballi-Dharwad under the smart city project. “If auto stands are not set up properly by providing basic facilities, how can a city turn smart?” he asked.
“We are open to changes in our proposal, but they should look into our issues too. We have been demanding auto stands for many years now. We have already conducted a survey near Siddharoodh Mutt, Station Road, Gokul Road, Old Hubballi and other areas,” he said.
“Hubballi has had hardly 20 auto stands since 1976. In fact, many of those were also removed gradually. After much pressure, authorities approved an auto stand at Durgadbail Circle. Since then, not a single auto stand has been set up by the authorities nor have they identified spots for the same. Auto drivers are finding it difficult to park their autos and are facing public irk,” he added.
HDMC commissioner Suresh Itnal said auto union members and office bearers have submitted a memorandum for the auto stands. “I have told them to furnish a priority list on spots. Once they furnish the list, after discussing with police officials, auto stands will be set up based on the availability of funds,” he added.