Socio-economic problems of toto Driver: A critical case study of Tomluk town in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal

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 WestBengal. 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 stake holders and the role of social organizations in transforming the lives, at large, in Tomluk. Over 90 Toto-drivers were surveyed to understand their economic and lifestyle stature, expectations, problems and need for reforms.