On March 12, 2025, Sahil Bagla, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic-East), held a meeting with KS Soundarya from the RTO (Auto-rickshaw permits), Jayanagar RTO S Mallesh, and about 15 representatives from auto-rickshaw unions.
Bagla told, “Most auto-rickshaw unions in the city came to the meeting and shared their requests. We gave them one week to send us their demands in writing. A subcommittee is reviewing different factors and will send a report to the Deputy Commissioner for the final call.”
Currently, the minimum auto-rickshaw fare is ₹30 for the first two kilometers, plus ₹15 for each extra kilometer, a rate set back in December 2021.
Drivers want the minimum fare to go up to ₹40 or ₹50 and the per-kilometer rate to ₹20 or ₹25, blaming higher LPG prices, daily expenses, and vehicle repair costs. The transport department suggests setting the minimum fare at ₹40 and the per-kilometer rate at ₹20.
Groups like the Auto Rickshaw Drivers’ Union (ARDU) and Adarsha Auto Taxi Drivers’ Union support the change, but Peace Auto Union and Karnataka Chalakara Okkuta are against it.
They say higher fares could drive passengers away, especially with the Shakti free bus scheme and cheaper cab rides on apps like Uber, Ola, and Rapido during off-peak times.
Passengers often say drivers don’t use the meter, ask for more money, or refuse to take them.
Tanveer Pasha from Swabhimani Chalakara Sanghatanegala Okkoota (SCSO) told PTI that if auto-rickshaw fares rise, cab companies will also charge more, making travel tougher on commuters’ wallets.
(Edited by : Vivek Dubey)
