Asansol: More than a hundred Toto drivers have raised their voices demanding administrative permission to ply Totos on specific routes in the city. On Monday morning, to fulfill their pending demands, they staged a road blockade and intense protest in front of the Manoj Cinema Hall near Kumarpur in Asansol. As the drivers sat on the main road holding placards with various demands, severe traffic congestion occurred in the area during peak hours, causing ultimate suffering to general pedestrians and daily commuters.
According to the protesting drivers, the Asansol Municipal Corporation and traffic police have relaxed Toto movement in almost all areas of the city. However, they alleged that a completely unjust ban has been imposed on Toto movement along the route extending from BNR More to Sataysha. The drivers stated, "Vehicles are plying normally on all other roads, yet we are not allowed to commute on this specific route. Many families make a living by driving Totos on this route. With our livelihood being cut off, we are facing extreme financial crisis. We want immediate written administrative permission to run Totos on this route."
Upon receiving news of the incident, a large contingent of police from the Asansol South police station quickly arrived at the spot. Police officials held multiple rounds of discussions with the agitating drivers and assured them of resolving the issue by taking it up with the traffic department and higher authorities. Following the positive assurance from the police, the drivers lifted the road blockade after a long time and traffic movement normalized. However, the protesters issued a clear warning that if their legitimate demand is not met soon, they will be forced to choose a larger movement in the coming days.
