Luxury On Three Wheels
Baldev Raj's might not be another Palace on Wheels, but a ride in his autorickshaw is definately a memorable experience. For, with TV, telephone, newspaper, fan and cold-water facilities, this is perhaps the only luxury auto rickshaw in this country, and possibly in the world. "I do not charge any extra for these facilities", says Raj who insists on going only by meter.
Every city has uniqueness about its public transport facilities. The yellow cabs define the New York City and red double deckers are a symbol for London. Our own Mumbai is known for the Fiat taxis and Delhi means auto rickshaws coloured in yellow and green. Among thousands of such auto rickshaws that add to the lifeline of Delhi’s public transport, there is one that stands apart- Baldev Raj's Deluxe Auto.
This is the one and only luxury auto that runs in Delhi, is honored by the minister and written about in the newspapers. It has a TV, a phone line, first aid kit, cold drinking water and also a CD player. You could even watch a movie! A fan, a huge mirror, wall clock and daily newspapers. And top of it all, he offers 10% discount to senior citizens and is available on calls.
Apart from the facilities, a lot of detailing has gone into doing up the vehicle's interior: Curtains, little soft pillows, artificial flowers and even media reports on the luxury vehicle are on display.
So how did he think about this idea? “I just wanted to do it in a style different from others”, he says. “I thought of providing some facilities to my passengers so that they could remember their journey in my auto. I thought that providing cold drinking water to passengers traveling in the heat of Delhi is the most important thing. Later I added newspaper as I have seen many passengers reading newspapers while traveling to pass their time. Gradually I included other things like CD players and fan for their comfort”, adds Baldev.
He also allows his passengers one free telephone call during every ride. “I do not charge any money for taking people to hospitals”, says Baldev emphasizing the need to understand social responsibility.
But is it economically viable for him to provide all these facilities without any extra charge? "The rates fixed by the government is absolutely fine and there is no question of running on loss. Also, contrary to public perception, maintenance does not cost much," says Baldev.
Baldev Raj is a tailor by profession and now his wife manages the shop. Father of a son and daughter, all the earnings from his driving goes towards his savings.
About future plans, Baldev has a lot to say. “I am planning to get glass doors and windows for my auto rickshaw so that I can make it air conditioned. I will do whatever it takes to make people’s journey in my auto comfortable.”
In a city where autorickshaw drivers are known for charging more and refusing to go by meter, Baldev Raj is an exception. "Delhi gets a lot of visitors from outside and I have heard many complaints about fleecing against the city's auto drivers. I want to change my fraternity's reputation in whichever little way I can. People should go back and say good things about us," says he.
He only wishes Delhi to be a better and safer place to live in. With so much of selfishness and shallow people occupying this place, he is the one who has taken charge and does his bit to contribute to the well being of society.
Perhaps he is the man who still believes in sanctity of service and purity of heart.
