Mangaluru: In what could go a long way in ensuring the safety of both passengers and the drivers, a proposal has been submitted by a society of autorickshaw owners and drivers to have the Global Positioning System (GPS) installed on all autos plying on the city’s roads, along with LED advertisement display. National Institute of Technology-Karnataka (NITK), Surathkal has prepared a technical report on the proposal, and the move is currently awaiting the district administration’s nod.

Prakash VN, president of Kudla Souharda Sahakari Ltd, which has put forth the proposal, told that if the proposal was implemented, it could ensure the safety of passengers, particularly women. “Auto drivers have no other source of income, and the members of our society held several rounds of discussions thinking of ways that could supplement their earnings. Indian Red Cross Society, Lions Clubs, Rotary Clubs, women’s organisations and several other forums were part of these discussions. They suggested that permitting LED advertisements on autos would help increase their income, besides endorsing the move to install GPS on all vehicles,” he added.

Prakash said that the society was ready to supply the necessary GPS equipment and help them in getting LED advertisements. “We have requested the Dakshina Kannada district administration to take a decision on installation of GPS, and allowinf advertisements. Former Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner KG Jagadeesha had sought a technical report on the pros and cons of the proposal from NITK. Although the institute has submitted its report, it is yet to be verified by the district administration,” Prakash added.

Pointing to the advantages of having GPS, he said, “On the one hand, passengers will be able to readily locate autos, while the drivers will be able to increase their income. The system will ease navigation, and drivers will be able to locate hospitals, educational institutions and popular tourist spots instantly on their tabs or mobile phones.” Prakash said that a memorandum had been submitted to the new DC Sasikanth Senil.

“We have requested the DC to consider our proposal after going through the NITK report,” he added.
Deputy commissioner for transport, and senior regional transport officer (In-charge) GS Hegde said, “The NITK report is with police. The Road Transport Authority will verify it and take a decision soon.”