Thaindian News

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) Monday said it will not reconsider the decision to pull out tongas, or horse-driven carriages, off the roads in the national capital.
Tongas, driven by horses, mules or ponies and used to ferry passengers or carry loads in areas of Old Delhi, have been asked to stop plying by Monday.

Over 250 tongas still ply in Delhi.

The decision to phase them out was taken at an MCD standing committee meeting last year.

“It’s high time this old form of transport was cleared, as it creates traffic woes in the heavily congested areas,” said Vijendar Gupta, former chairman of MCD standing committee.

The ‘tongawallahs’ (tonga-drivers) are, however, not happy with the decision.

Gupta said: “There is no reason for the tongawallahs to complain as they are being provided with ‘tehbazari licence’ (vending licence), which will give them alternate income and employment.”

A civic authority official said: “Of the 132 tongawallahs who hold single licence, 93 have been provided with tehbazari licence. The remaining 39 will also get them soon. Those having more than one licence to ply a tonga will be provided financial assistance to buy a CNG-run goods vehicle.”

Syed Abdullah, who has been a tonga-driver for the past 10 years, said: “The MCD has given tehbazari permits (vending licence) in east Delhi. But most of us live in Old Delhi areas and shifting goods from there to Shashtri Park in the east every day is practically very difficult.”

Hamid Ansari, another tonga-driver, said: “The MCD actually promised us full structure with land for tehbazari. But now the authorities are saying land will be allotted without building. Without a proper building how can we do business.

“Moreover, for those who have more than one tonga licence, the MCD has promised 25 percent assistance to buy a CNG-run vehicle. But a new vehicle costs around Rs.4.5 lakh and the financial help is too little,” Ansari said.

The MCD said that concerns of the tonga-drivers can be addressed.

“The structure for the business will not be a problem as it can be constructed by the MCD. And if a tongawallah needs more financial assistance to buy a three-wheeler then the MCD can assist him in getting a loan,” Gupta said.