Kochi:
Additional counters for prepaid autorickshaws will be opened at all major junctions in the city to assist shoppers. The initiative is part of the upcoming Grand Kerala Shopping Festival (GKSF), which will be held from December 20 to January 1, said Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting held in connection with the opening ceremony of the GKSF Season 5. The members of residents' associations, Vyapari Vyavasayi Ekopana Samiti (VVES), private bus operators' unions, autorickshaw unions and the authorities concerned participated in the meeting.
The decision came as a solution to the problem of safety of the shoppers during the night shopping fest. Members of the VVES opined that the excessive charges demanded by auto drivers, especially during the night is likely to discourage customers from participating in the shopping fest.
"The process will be helpful for both the shoppers and the auto drivers," the Mayor noted. The pre-paid auto counters will be monitored by police personnel, said District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth. The transportation facilities in the city will be increased during the GKSF, he added.
Deputy Commissioner of Police T Gopalakrishna Pillai said the security of the shoppers would be ensured as more number of shadow police personnel will be deployed during the GFSK.