Purulia’s Smart Move: In a significant move to transform Purulia into a seamless “Tourist City” and tackle chronic traffic congestion, the Purulia Municipality has launched a comprehensive modernization project for e-rickshaws (Totos). Under the leadership of the Municipal Administrator and SDO (Sadar), Utpal Kumar Ghosh, the town is introducing QR code integration, designated routes, and a standardized fare structure.
The initiative, which commenced this Tuesday at the MSA Ground, aims to digitize the identity of every legal Toto operating within city limits.
Key Highlights of the New System
To bring order to the streets, the administration has laid out several strict guidelines that will change how residents and tourists commute:
QR Code Accountability: Every authorized Toto will feature a unique QR code. Passengers can scan this code via their smartphones to access the driver’s details. In case of overcharging or misconduct, passengers can lodge instant complaints with the Purulia Municipality.
The Rural-Urban Divide: To prevent overcrowding, a clear boundary has been set. Following the Makar Parab (Makar Sankranti) festival, rural Totos will no longer be allowed to pick up passengers inside the city, and urban Totos must remain within city limits.
Designated Parking & Stands: The city is moving away from haphazard parking. Major stands are being established at:
Opposite Joggers Park (Saheb Bandh)
Ranchi Road & Barakar Road
Bankura Road
Dulmi and Katin Para (near the station)
Safety & Overloading: A strict limit of five passengers per Toto has been mandated. Traffic police and municipal authorities will conduct “spot fines” for any violations.
Navigating the New Routes
The municipality has designed 25 specific routes covering 3 to 5 kilometers each. To ensure safety and smooth traffic flow, Totos are strictly prohibited from plying on National Highways, except for specific crossing points.
Emergency Exception: The administration has clarified that rural Totos carrying patients or medical emergencies will be granted special permission to enter the city and reach hospitals without penalty.
Data-Driven Governance
According to the Regional Transport Office (RTO), there are 7,269 Totos registered across the Purulia district. However, the exact number of Totos operating specifically within the city has long been a matter of debate—ranging from 1,800 to an estimated 1,500.
By using Voter ID cards and registration documents to issue these QR codes, the Purulia Municipality will finally have a comprehensive digital database. This will allow the authorities to identify illegal vehicles and manage the fleet size effectively.
Why This Matters for Tourism
As Purulia grows as a tourism hub, the “Smart Toto” system provides a sense of security for visitors who may be unfamiliar with local fares. By professionalizing the service and streamlining the traffic, the municipality hopes to enhance the overall “brand” of Purulia as a traveler-friendly destination.
Read More: The $3.4 Million Catch: Why One Tuna Sold for Nearly 29 Crore Rupees
