Showing posts with label bangalore. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bangalore. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

Problem with Auto's in Bangalore

To anyone who is unhappy with autos in Bangalore (everyone?)

Got this as a forward, which I usually tend to ignore, so figured this would be a better place for it. Thank you to whoever took the trouble to do this!
................................

You are in a hurry to catch the train. You pack all your stuff and frantically run out in the hope of catching an auto. You come out and see 5 autos standing at the corner. You thank God and ask them - "Majestic chaloge kya??” The Answer is "Rs 200 hoga!!”. "Kya?? It just cost Rs 100 till Majestic". "Bahut rush hai sir!!". You move on to the next auto, to try your luck and surprisingly, you have the same conversation "Bahut rush hai sir!!". Finally you give up and bargain the price to Rs 170 and hope you don't miss your train.

Sounds more than familiar??

You stand on the road and keep on asking the passing autos for a ride to your destination - if it's not your day, the autos will not even bother to stop; if you're a bit lucky they might actually slow down to hear your destination's name and think for a second (i always wonder if they are calculating their net profit) and then speed away. However if you are luckier, the auto guy might quote an exorbitant price and then speed away. But if it's your extremely lucky hour of the day, you might end up getting an auto which is ready to take you to the destination at meter price.

In my six years of existence in Bengaluru, these experiences have been really instrumental in teaching me great virtues - Patience and Tolerance. But at what price??? exorbitant rates, extremely rude behavior and what not ......
After years of feeling used, i set out to find the answer for this misery - was there no government system that could bring these auto guys to justice? As a citizen, how can i express my concern?

This search took me to the Koramangala RTO office (BDA complex) and to my surprise i found that there did exist a government system which i believe 99.99% of Bengaluru is unaware of !!
The System
Note the vehicle number (KA-XX-YY-ZZZZ) and email the details to transcom@kar.nic.in. Based on the prefix XX (for example KA-01), complaint will be sent to one of the ten RTO offices in Bangalore and adjacent taluk areas.
Alternatively, one can also call these offices at the number given below based on the vehicle number prefix and directly lodge a complaint.

Vehicle Prefix (KA-XX) Bangalore location Phone number
KA-01 Koramangala 080-25533525
KA-02 Rajajinagar 080-23324104
KA-03 Indiranagar 080-25254310
KA-04 Yeshwantpur 080-23376039
KA-05 Jayanagar 080-26630989
KA-41 Gyanabharthi 080-28602833
KA-50 Yelahanka 080-28561366
KA-51 Electronic City 080-25735522
KA-52 NeelaMangala 08234-285598
KA-53 KR Puram 080-25617951
Once the complaint is received at the corresponding office, a notice is issued to the address of the vehicle’s registered owner, requiring him/her to turn up at the RTO office within 7 working days. Every RTO has about 10 IMV’s (Inspector of Motor Vehicles) who seize the vehicles which don’t report to the RTO.

The penalty levied from the auto-waalas is rs.100 under section 200.

The various offences among others for which one can lodge a complaint
Refusal to come to destination (Any destination!!!)
Demanding excess fare
Using rough language
Cheat the public, for e.g. taking longer routes.
Faulty Meter
There is also a helpline number - 080-22353785 available Monday – Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm on which one can call to lodge complaints.

The numbers speak for itself
I was shocked when I found that the Koramangala RTO office received only 5 complaints a month. With over 1,00,000 autos plying on Bangalore roads, shouldn’t it be like 5 complaints a minute?

What’s wrong with the system?
Lack of Awareness among the Bangalore citizens
The system is inefficient in data gathering- emails or phone calls cannot be stored and processed properly, leading to ineffective use of these complaint data.
Converting these complaints into notices issued to vehicle owners is still a manual process
Limited government officials to handle
So, will our impatience always have to take a backseat? Can something be done to improve/compliment the system to make it more effective? Will we get a better platform to raise our voices democratically?

Sunday, February 08, 2009

Aero Show India - A Photo Blog by Photoyogi

Are you interested in Air Show in India... Watch it here...
Visit this blog for more pictures, excitement and upcoming Aero shows!

Aero India 2007 - A Photo Blog

Aero India is India's premier Defence Show Event.
Here are some photos by Photoyogi.



Courtesy: Aero India 09 Blog - http://aeroindia09.blogspot.com/

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Lalbagh - Flower Show 2008


Lalbagh has a variety of collection of plants, flowers, trees. This botanical garden is spread over ~230 acres and located in the heart of the city. It has over 1800 species of flora. A lake inside the garden attracts a variety of birds like kingfishers, bee-eaters and robins. Squirrels and other insects amongst bees are common.

This August 2008 in the eve of Independence day celebration, the 4th national flower show began at Lalbagh Botanical Garden in Bangalore started on 9th August 2008 to 17th August 2008. This Flower show will be organized every year for a fortnight. One during Republic Day and the second during Independence Day.

Don't miss the opportunity to watch the flowers collection from various parts of India.
Watch it - if you can!
Visit: http://www.lalbagh.org/

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Bengaluru International Airport Vs Hyderabad International Airport (BIAL Vs RGIA)




29-May-08 Bengaluru International Airport Vs Hyderabad International Airport
Referring URL http://blog.anent.in/
Airport Bengaluru International Airport (BIAL) Rajiv Gandhi International Aiport (GMR)
Location Devenahalli, Bangalore, Karnataka, India Shamshabad, Andhra Pradesh, India
Website http://www.bengaluruairport.com/ http://www.hyderabad.aero/
Contact Call: +91 80 2354 0000 Call: 1800 419 2008 (in India)
009140-44327300 (from outside India)
Status 6th day (Opened on 24 May 2006).
(Note: Planned for 30 March 2008.)
66th day (Opened on 23 March 2006)
Runway Direction: 09/27,
Length: 13,517ft OR 4,120m,
Surface: Asphalt
Elevation: N/A,
It can accommodate A380.
CAT I (Airport Ground Lighting)
Direction
: 09/27,
Length: 13,976 ft OR 4,260m,
Surface: Asphalt.
Elevation: 2024 ft / 617 m
smallest aircraft to Code-F aircraft (A380)
Infrastructure International Standard Airport with Good infrastructure.
Built on 4050 acres of land.
International Airport with Excellent infrastructure.
Built on 5400 acres of land.
Aero Bridges 8 Aero bridges 12 Aero bridges
Parking Bay Good number of Parking Bays are available but not usable in reality. Good for small aircraft, Tuff for bigger ones. A380 - really tuff :( Parking Bays are designed very well thinking beyond.
42 Aircraft bays are available.
Check-in Good. Total: 53 Good. >130
Kiosk Check-in Good. Total: 18 self-check-in counters Good.
Baggage Claim One 'X-Ray scan center' is available for
international baggage to be scanned after aircraft arrival. Passengers after quick immigration process, spend most of their time at airport here :(
Multiple X-Ray scanning for International baggage claim have put in and make life easier.
Security Check Good Good
Waiting area Good Good
Gates ~20 Gates ~40 Gates
Lounge/Food As time goes, things will improve. It's decent Decent!
Parking 2000 Cars parking facility available.
Free Parking Facility:
BIA offers first 10 minutes free complimentary parking facility for the convenience of the passengers, meters and greeters.
The parking charges at Bengaluru International Airport are:
Rs 40 for the first 2 hrs or part thereof, Rs 20 per subsequent hour or part thereof. Rs. 300 for over-night parking for the first 24 hours and Rs. 200 for every additional day.
Parking Map: http://www.bengaluruairport.com/bial_docs/
docs/Parking_map.pdf
Complimentary Parking Facility:
RGIA offers first
15 minutes free complimentary parking facility for the convenience of the passengers, meters and greeters
The parking charges at Rajiv Gandhi International Airport are:
*
Economy Car Parking – Rs 70 for the first 2 hrs or part thereof, Rs 35 per subsequent hour or part thereof and a maximum of Rs 350 per 24hours for long-term parking.
*
Premium Car Parking – Rs 120 for the first 2 hrs or part thereof, Rs 60 per subsequent hour or part thereof and a maximum of Rs 600 per 24hours for long-term parking.
*
Motorcycles/ 2- Wheelers – Rs 15 for the first 2 hrs or part thereof, Rs 10 per subsequent hour or part thereof and a maximum of Rs 100 per 24hours for long-term parking.
*
Bus & Coaches – Rs 200 for the first 2 hrs or part thereof and Rs 100 per subsequent hour or part thereof.
Arrival &
Departure
Arrival & Departure on the same floor (ground floor).Traffic clogging still an issue as seen in HAL Airport. Great!: Departure (ground floor),
Arrival on separate flyover (1st Floor)
Road Bellary road highway to connect to city. ~40-50 kms to reach city. Messy during peak hours. 40km stretch to reach city (takes approx 30minutes)
Road routes: NH7 / Srisailam Highway / Outer Ring Road /
Inner Ring Road with elevated express way (under construction).
Future plans: MMTS/MRTS
Car Rental Pre-Paid Taxi Rentals: Hertz & Akbar Travels.
Others:
AVIS:
CEL CABS: +91 80 6060 9090.
AirLift Online: http://www.airliftonline.com/ (Innova A/C Cab). SMS AIRLIFT 54545 or Call 9845047788
AVIS: 040 – 6660 3712/ 13 or + 91 97045 00682/6747
Budget: 040 – 6660 3701 or +91 97032 20099/ 98
Hertz: 040 – 6660 3710 or +91 99639 98833
BUS/Airport Shuttle
(
Non Stop Service - P2P)
Vayu Vajra (BMTC) A/C Buses - Airport Shuttle Service (to 7 destinations on 9 routes) - frequency of 1 hour
at a cost of
Rs. 80-220.
Suvarna (Non-AC) Buses: during peak hours (morning and evening) at a cost of Rs. 20-90.
BMTC:
Control Room: 080-2295 2522 / 2295 2422
Kempegowda Bus Stand: 080-2295 2311 / 2295 2314
Shivajinagar Bus Stand: 080-2295 2321 / 2295 2324
Aero Express: To Begumpet, Secunderabad, Charminar,
Mehdipatnam, HITECH City (
Fare: Rs. 100.)
Taxi Radio Taxi: (Post-Paid Taxi)
Fare
: Rs 15 per km, Minimum Rs 30 which include the first 2 Km traveled. Waiting charges @ Rs 1 per minute. 25% night surcharge is applicable between 2300hrs to 0500hrs.
Easy Cabs : +91 80 4343 4343
Meru Cabs: +91 80 4422 4422
Radio Taxi:
Fare
: Rs 15 per km, Minimum Rs 30 which include the first 2 Km traveled. Waiting charges @ Rs 1 per minute. 25% night surcharge is applicable between 2300hrs to 0500hrs.
Easy Cabs : +91 40 43434343
Meru Cabs: +91 40 44224422
Dot Cabs: N/A
User Fee Yes (Passenger has to pay) No
Time to
reach airport
Peak hours: ~2 hrs to airport,
Non-peak hours: ~1.5 hrs to airport
Peak hours: ~45min to 1 hr to reach airport.
Non-peak hours: ~30-45min to reach airport.




Current Issues
(as on 29 May 2008)
Air Traffic Control (ATC) not functioning properly in the initial days, causes delay in landing and parking. ATC was down at times in the initial days but it is okay after 5th day (29 May 2008). ATC working perfectly!

Ground Control - very bad and there is no sync between ATC and Ground control team. Aircraft has to wait for longer time to get parked in one of the parking bay. Good sync between ATC & Ground staff

Aerobridge: distance between two aero bridge doesn't fit
for parking two bigger aircrafts side by side,
1 & 3 aero bridge will be occupied, 2 will be unused.
-

Website - not user friendly… :( Airport Website is useful.


Useful links Bangalore / Bengaluru Hyderabad / Shamshabad
Wikipedia Bangalore International Airport Hyderabad International Airport
Transport Map City Transport Map (Bangalore) Hyderabad Route Map
Parking Map Parking Map at Airport N/A
Bus BMTC Bus Chart Aero Express



Yahoo Maps http://in.maps.yahoo.com/ http://in.maps.yahoo.com/
Traffic (Live) http://www.btis.in/live.htm http://www.htis.in/live.htm
Directions http://btis.in/directions.htm http://www.htis.in/directions.htm
Gallery - Pictures Photo Gallery Photo Gallery

Easy Guide (Airport)

Tuesday, April 08, 2008

Platform - Alternate driveway for two wheelers

In cities like Bangalore, two wheelers choose Platform as an alternate driveway during rush hours. This is highly dangerous to Pedestrians walking on the platform. Rather than Traffic Police caught these folks - people (two wheelers) should think before they get on to a platform as a travel route!
  • Pedestrians should warn them and inform the traffic police.
  • Working professionals do this mistake often, which is shame to the working community.
*** Start early to work and avoid driving on platforms ***

Find the picture taken at BTM 2nd stage, 29 Main Road towards BTM-Outer Ring Road


Use traffic solutions provided online, SMS, phone by BTIS and make your travel easier in the city.

Monday, December 25, 2006

Jilebi Stall @ Commercial Street in Bangalore

Hot Hot - Sweet Jilebi (Yummy...)
@
Rawal Jelebi Shop

I would like to share my "Sweet Time @ Commercial Street" in Banglaore.

People like Sweets anytime... (oops! except the one with Sugar related health issues...)

You can easily find this shop at Commercial Street in Bangalore, (parallel to commercial street).

This person makes Jilebi Hot Hot... on the fly and people have it before the temperature goes down. The time he opens the shop in the evening... and people rush is bit more and mouth-watering Sweet Hot Hot Jilebi... (You will remember the Ad, Dhara - where the small boy with his grandpa says 'Jilebbi')


When you had a chance to be here, do not miss this 'Sweet Time'

BTW, nearby there are few Idly, Dosa shops (they use pure Ghee) (in Tamil such place is called "Kaiendhi Bhavan").

Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Kotilingam (Kolar Gold Fields)

Trip to Kotilingam (Kolar Gold Fields) which is ~90 kms from Bangalore. This temple has lots of Shiva lingas all over the temple. Posted by Picasa
Tip: Save Power - Set your monitor with 'BLACK' background screen and this will SAVE 20-30% of power - Minimise all Windows when not in use. Switch of the Monitor when not in use. Find more here


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