Abstract

West Bengal is experiencing a massive urbanization and an unprecedented growth in transport
system. The Government has successfully intervened to decongest the traffic through infrastructure
development. However, road fatalities, air pollution and frequent congestions are a common sight in many
metros of West Bengal. Adding to the chaos is the muddled eco-system of Toto-rickshaws. The informal
economies of Toto-rickshaws are just not a social-economic problem but also a serious ecological concern.
Some of the social-firms have ventured in to bring an eco-balance in the system. This study concentrates on
the current socio-economic condition of Toto-rickshaw drivers, the prospects and problems encountered by
the stakeholders and the role of social organizations in transforming the lives, at large, in Tamluk. Over 90
Toto drivers were surveyed to understand their economic and lifestyle stature, expectations, problems and
need for reforms and surveyed for understanding their perception using sensitivity analysis