Non-Implementation of Taxi Automation System by the MIAL

MOST URGENT

By Hand / Fax / Speed Post

Date: 16th July, 2013

To,

1.    The Transport Commissioner

Maharashtra State

Mumbai

2.    The Jt. Commissioner of Police

(Law & Order)

Mumbai Police

Mumbai

3.    The Adl. Commissioner of Police

Special Branch (CID)

Mumbai Police

Mumbai

4.    The Regional Transport Officer,

Western Region,

Andheri West,

Mumbai

5.    The Managing Director,

Mumbai International Airport Limited,

CSI Airport,

Mumbai

Subject: Non-Implementation of Taxi Automation System by the MIAL officials under the pressure of touts, criminal gangs and corrupt police officials.

Sir,

The MMRTA had passed a resolution for the automation system for prepaid taxis in the interest passengers/taximen since a long time at the airport but since the past 3-4 months, the MIAL has failed to implement the said automated system at the airports due to immense pressure from touts, criminal gangs and local corrupt police / traffic police officials who are preventing the same for their own benefit and interests.

Yesterday, i.e. 15th July, 2013; again the above said system was started by the MIAL under heavy police bandobast but at about 8:00 pm, this system was again shut down due to ever increasing pressure of the unsocial elements / criminals / so called taxi union leaders and they had jammed the taxi lines using force, in the presence and awareness of police officials but no action was taken whatsoever against these undesirable elements. This has been the repeated practice whenever the automated system was attempted to be started at the airports by the MIAL.

Now, we as taximen request you to eliminate all inevitable delays so far in implementing the automation system for taxis and implement the same within 48 hours from the receipt of this letter/notice in the interest of passengers and taximen at large.

In light of the above mentioned facts and circumstances, our sangathan has decided to lodge a peaceful protest whereby all taximen will sport black bands around their arms and black flags on their cabs/taxis in support of their protest, however, all the Taximen will continue their services without any hassle or problems to passengers or others at the airports.

It is pertinent to note that our Sangathan is also going to distribute/create awareness among passengers over the automated system in detail along with inhuman behavior towards the taximen at large by the MIAL and the corrupt local police / traffic police officials entirely at your risk and cost which you please take a note of. It is further pertinent to note that our Sangathan had already filed Writ Petition (L) No.1185 of 2013 before the Hon'ble High Court of Bombay in this same regard and issues.

Yours faithfully,

For Mumbai Taximen Sangathan

Kanhaiya Singh,

Secretary

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