Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Jul 22: Realising the problems of senior citizens, sick ones and pregnant women during the lockdown period, a youth from Kudroli here has come forward voluntarily with an offer to provide free transportation service for such people.

Arshad Popi from Kudroli here has conceived this plan of offering free vehicles for the people. He has started to serve people from July 20 onwards. Popi says that his services are not limited to senior citizens, sick ones and pregnant ladies alone, but also to those who come from far off places and get stuck here.

Arshad possesses six vehicles. Out of them, he has set aside three cars and an auto-rickshaw for the above free service. For those who cannot get into the car, he offers travel by auto-rickshaws. All these vehicles have their own drivers but wherever possible, Arshad prefers to personally serve the concerned. The needy have to call him on his mobile phone. The vehicle arrives at the spot where you specify, pick you up and take you to the hospital or house as desired by you. He says that this service is provided free of cost.

Arshad was inspired to start this service after observing that a family from north Karnataka which came to the city was helplessly staring at the heavy rain which pounded the city. However, he has specified his jurisdiction of operation as Mangaluru south assembly constituency limits. He, however, says that on the last two days he had to respond to emergency calls and violate this rule under unavoidable circumstances. His service will continue even after lockdown ends.

Arshad, a resident of Kudroli ward, is a BJP worker. He has been serving as an ordinary worker of the BJP since the last 13 years. He had fought the last city corporation election as a BJP candidate from Kudroli ward but had to taste defeat.

Arshad Popi’s number is 9731008008.