Latest news with #Kurien
Time of India
a day ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autorickshaw union plans to launch app to tackle refusal menace in Mumbai
The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union on Sunday announced its plan to launch an app aimed at combating the refusal menace. The app will assure commuters of a ride and allow autorickshaw bookings while ensuring payment is made only by the RTO-approved meter. Union leader Thampy Kurien, who proposed the idea to the transport department , is set to demonstrate it to officials at Mantralaya this week. "Unlike Ola and Uber, our app will not calculate fares that are low, very high, or dynamic in nature. It will merely book an auto and ensure pickup from your doorstep or wherever you are waiting. After the pickup, the driver will flag down the meter and take you to the destination, collecting the actual fare as per the meter, " Kurien told TOI. The union is also considering introducing a convenience charge, potentially a nominal Rs 5 per trip for app usage. It will seek MMRTA approval for any fare above the RTO-approved meter fare, said Kurien. He explained that the app's necessity arises after a series of refusals by auto drivers. Police statistics indicate there were nearly 4.7 lakh challans in 2024 for refusals by autos and taxis, with auto refusals accounting for over 70%. A senior transport official said they will review the app and, if it proves beneficial to commuters and auto drivers, there should be no issue in granting clearance. Kurien further indicated that he plans to challenge Ola and Uber autorickshaws operations in the city in Bombay high court. These vehicles do not operate by the meter despite drivers possessing state badges and permits, which require that vehicles function "only by the meter". Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. Kurien also plans to petition the transport department to regulate autorickshaw operations outside railway stations. "At present, there are three different groups of autos – one which stands in queue and picks up passengers with no questions asked, the other which picks up while on the go, and a third group of cartel which parks autos at a distance and demands hefty share fares for popular destinations such as Linking Road, beaches, waterfronts, promenades, etc," he said. "We want govt to have a single queue outside all railway stations. If autorickshaws do not want to join this queue, they will have to drop passengers and leave the station precincts immediately. Those in queue should observe discipline and ferry all passengers – short or long distance," he added.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Autorickshaw union plans to launch app to tackle refusal menace in Mumbai
Mumbai: The Mumbai Rickshawmen's Union on Sunday announced its plan to launch an app aimed at combating the refusal menace. The app will assure commuters of a ride and allow autorickshaw bookings while ensuring payment is made only by the RTO-approved meter. Union leader Thampy Kurien, who proposed the idea to the transport department, is set to demonstrate it to officials at Mantralaya this week. "Unlike Ola and Uber, our app will not calculate fares that are low, very high, or dynamic in nature. It will merely book an auto and ensure pickup from your doorstep or wherever you are waiting. After the pickup, the driver will flag down the meter and take you to the destination, collecting the actual fare as per the meter, " Kurien told TOI. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai The union is also considering introducing a convenience charge, potentially a nominal Rs 5 per trip for app usage. It will seek MMRTA approval for any fare above the RTO-approved meter fare, said Kurien. He explained that the app's necessity arises after a series of refusals by auto drivers. Police statistics indicate there were nearly 4.7 lakh challans in 2024 for refusals by autos and taxis, with auto refusals accounting for over 70%. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Interested in Investing? Cyprus Offers Many Options Cyprus Invest | Search ads Undo A senior transport official said they will review the app and, if it proves beneficial to commuters and auto drivers, there should be no issue in granting clearance. Kurien further indicated that he plans to challenge Ola and Uber autorickshaws operations in the city in Bombay high court. These vehicles do not operate by the meter despite drivers possessing state badges and permits, which require that vehicles function "only by the meter". Uber and Ola officials were unavailable for comment. Kurien also plans to petition the transport department to regulate autorickshaw operations outside railway stations. "At present, there are three different groups of autos – one which stands in queue and picks up passengers with no questions asked, the other which picks up while on the go, and a third group of cartel which parks autos at a distance and demands hefty share fares for popular destinations such as Linking Road, beaches, waterfronts, promenades, etc," he said. "We want govt to have a single queue outside all railway stations. If autorickshaws do not want to join this queue, they will have to drop passengers and leave the station precincts immediately. Those in queue should observe discipline and ferry all passengers – short or long distance," he added.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Time of India
Car driver assaults police officer during traffic inspection
Udupi: During a routine traffic inspection in Udupi, a car driver allegedly assaulted a police officer and obstructed carrying out the official duty during a vehicle check near the Karavali bypass in Moodanidambur village. According to a complaint filed by police sub-inspector Husseinsab Kashimsab Chapparkar of the Udupi traffic police station, police were conducting vehicle checks near the bypass on Thursday. They identified a car travelling from Ambalpady towards Karavali Junction, with the driver not wearing a seatbelt. The police team stopped the car, and the PSI approached the driver to check details. When the PSI asked the driver for his name, address, and driving licence, he responded arrogantly. The accused shouted at the officers, stating that he would not provide documents. The police team informed the driver that he was stopped for not wearing a seatbelt. However, he refused to comply and tried to move his vehicle. When officers stood in front of the vehicle to prevent him from fleeing, the driver stopped. While checking the documents, police identified the driver as one Kurien. He also refused to sign the notice issued against him. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Further, the driver attempted to snatch the licence from the PSI's hand and allegedly assaulted the officer. He was also accused of obstructing a govt servant from discharging his duty. Udupi Town police registered a case under Section 132 of the BNS against the accused. Woman loses Rs 11L to online fraud A woman lost Rs 11,61,256 to an online fraud. In a complaint to Udupi CEN police station, the complainant, Suhasini, stated that she received a message on WhatsApp from an unknown person with information on job opportunities. Later, she received a link asking her to join a Telegram group named G432 Gate Group. Following the instructions, the complainant invested a total of Rs 11.6 lakh. When the complainant did not receive the invested amount and promised profit, she filed a complaint. Udupi CEN crime police registered a case under Sections 66(C), 66(D) of the IT Act, and Section 318(4) of the BNS.
The Hindu
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Statement on YC meant for party's betterment, says P.J. Kurien
The war of words between veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien and Youth Congress leaders shows no sign of abating, with the latter standing firm in his criticism of the party's youth wing. Speaking to the media on Monday, Mr. Kurien, a member of the Congress Political Affairs Committee, reiterated that political work must be rooted at the grassroots level. 'I don't see any young leaders even in my own constituency,' he said, while lauding Chandy Oommen MLA's door-to-door campaign in Nilambur as a model worth emulating. On SFI protests Mr. Kurien clarified that his remarks were directed at the overall functioning of the Youth Congress across the State. 'The Youth Congress members we often see on TV are nowhere to be seen in my own panchayat. Every panchayat should have an active Youth Congress committee. What I said was for the betterment of the party, so I fail to understand what the problem is,' he said. Referring to the recent SFI protests, Mr. Kurien added, 'Everyone saw those protests. So what's wrong if I mention it? There was no ill intent in what I said, and I didn't target anyone personally. I spoke with a clear conscience, keeping the party's interests in mind. And I still stand by those views.' Tharoor criticised He also took aim at Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, accusing him of opportunism. 'When the Congress is in Opposition, Tharoor praises Modi. That's not an idealistic position—it's opportunistic. After I stepped down from official responsibilities, I received many offers, but I didn't accept any. That's my principle. Tharoor's stance doesn't reflect what is expected of a Congressman.' At the same time, he also urged the leadership to engage in dialogue and resolve differences through internal discussions. Mr. Kurien's statements, meanwhile, continued to evoke strong reactions within the party. Former KPCC president Mullappally Ramachandran responded by saying the criticism stemmed from a lack of understanding of the Youth Congress's legacy. Veteran leader Ramesh Chennithala, however, took a more conciliatory tone, suggesting that Mr. Kurien's remarks were driven by concern for the party's well-being. Youth Congress leaders, at the same time, continued to voice their displeasure on social media.
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Youth Congress locks horns with veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien
A war of words has erupted between the Youth Congress leadership and veteran Congress leader P.J. Kurien following his public criticism of the outfit's diminished presence in protest movements. Speaking at a party event in Pathanamthitta the other day, Mr. Kurien, a member of the Congress' Political Affairs Committee, lauded the Students' Federation of India (SFI) under the CPI(M), for aligning itself with 'the disaffected youth.' In contrast, the Youth Congress leaders are visible only on television and are absent from ground-level struggles, he said. 'Who you parade on stages does not count, if you can't even gather 25 youngsters on the ground in a constituency,' Mr. Kurien said, referring to Youth Congress State president and MLA Rahul Mamkootathil, who was present at the event. A rebuttal Responding to the remarks, Mr. Mamkootathil said he accepted the criticism with grace but offered a pointed rebuttal. 'Youth Congress members may be fewer at family gatherings, but that's not the case when it comes to street protests,' he said. His response was followed by a wave of strong reactions from Youth Congress leaders on social media. On his own Facebook page, Mr. Mamkootathil posted on Sunday, 'Let those with eyes see and those with ears hear,' sharing a video of Youth Congress workers in Pathanamthitta, including its district president, being taken into preventive custody by the police ahead of Health Minister Veena George's visit to Aranmula. Jithin G. Ninan, general secretary of the Youth Congress in Pathanamthitta, also took to social media to express his displeasure. 'From now on, I will not refer to him as 'Kurien sir',' he wrote. 'The Youth Congress has been consistently protesting for the past nine years. Many of our leaders have faced police brutality and imprisonment. We cannot accept criticism from someone like Mr. Kurien, who hasn't even endured a police shove.' 'Mentor youth first' A few other members also invoked past controversies involving Mr. Kurien. In a veiled reference to old allegations, some leaders suggested Youth Congress activists are not the ones appearing on television in abuse cases. Others criticised Mr. Kurien's inability to foster grassroots leadership. 'He has not been able to appoint even a mandalam president in his own village, Puramattom,' one social media post pointed out. Several Youth Congress supporters ridiculed the veteran leader online, suggesting he should focus on mentoring even a single young party worker before casting judgment.
