GUWAHATI, Feb 26 - Transport Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary interacted with senior representatives of Uber, Ola and Rapido app-based ride companies and held a detailed discussion with them at Janata Bhawan, Dispur, today.
Issues relating to road safety and adherence to rules and regulations under the Motor Vehicles Act were discussed.
Patowary clarified that there is no ban or restriction on running of Ola, Uber or Rapido vehicles in Guwahati city. All safety norms must be followed to ensure passenger�s safety, he said and expressed his support to these agencies in providing urban connectivity.
Proful Lall, Head of Corporate Affairs, Rapido, stated that all riders of Rapido are verified and trained. They are given two helmets � one for the rider and another for the passenger. They also provide training for enrolling on their app. He also informed that there is a provision of SOS (emergency button) which can be used by the passengers. They constantly monitor the movement of bikes so that they do not cross the speed limit.
Anudeepika Jain, Public Policy Lead, Eastern India, Uber, informed that they follow the highest safety standards across all countries of the world. There is a control room in Guwahati where operating vehicles are monitored. They also shared the information that Guwahati is one of the few cities in India where female drivers have been enrolled in their business model.
Bhaskar Borah, Cluster Head, Ola, also agreed to follow the Motor Vehicle Act and road safety norms. They assured to work closely with the government to provide the best urban mobility for safe and effective service in Guwahati.