Wi-fi auto-rickshaw driven by ‘atithi devo bhava’ spirit
After the Taj Mahal and railway station becoming free wi-fi zones in this city, an autorickshaw – driven by the spirit of ‘atithi devo bhava’ – is also providing the facility to passengers getting down at the Agra Cantonment railway station.
“I bought this auto-rickshaw two months ago and wanted to make it a fully equipped vehicle. Tourists have access to free wi-fi on trains and at railway stations but face connectivity problems while travelling to hotels or monuments,” stated Ifraq Khan, 40, the man behind the idea, who operates near the station.
“This made me equip my auto-rickshaw with a wi-fi dongle and the idea worked well, for which I have to bear expenses of ` 500 every month. The satisfaction of my passengers while using the service in my auto compensates for the added expense,” stated Khan.
Khan, who is driving autorickshaws for the last 15 years, is a father of three school-going children. This is the third auto he has purchased and holds the latest one as his most precious one.
He also admitted that passengers are prepared to pay extra for using the wi-fi facility as they explore the city.
“I tell them the password and enable passengers to use the Internet,” added Khan who recollects a foreign tourist’s statement – “This is crazy technology in India”.
The tourist said this was the first auto rickshaw (with wi-fi facility) he had travelled in, claimed Khan who is popularly known as ‘Lalla Bhai’ at Cantonment station.
“Quite a few tourists who get down at the station ask for me as their friends had told them about their experience in my auto-rickshaw” Khan said proudly.
“Athithi devo bhava – should not remain a slogan, it should be practised,” said Khan while starting his vehicle after getting a passenger whom he gave the password for using the Internet while moving in the city.