Auto and taxi rates might double

Demands are not to be accepted in totality claims the state government

It's not that Delhiites have not been taken for a ride by the autowallahs for long. But this time, it'll be official.u00a0
Following the CNG price hike and the auto fares remaining unchanged for the past three years, the state government is now in the process of its revision. While CM Sheila Dikshit on Monday announced that increase in CNG prices will be factored in, the new fare structure for autos will only be considered once her government decides it.

The transport department officials held a meeting with representatives of auto rickshaw unions on their demand to increase the auto fares. They told MiD DAY that the auto unions have urged the government to double the fare. Instead of the current rate of Rs 10 for the first km, they want it to be Rs 20 km. Also, the autodrivers want Rs 8 to be charged for every additional km instead of the current Rs 4.50. The radio taxi fare may also go up from Rs 15 to Rs 20 per km.u00a0

"The demand is unlikely to be accepted in totality. Though there is a possibility of a substantial increase. The fares have not been revised in the past three years despite CNG prices going up. Also, the transport department is mulling over the installation of GPS devices in every auto. These factors will be taken into consideration before any final decision on the fare structure," said a senior official of the transport department.

Two weeks ago, the auto union had threatened to go on a strike, but postponed it after Transport Minister Arvinder Singh Lovely assured their demand for hike in the fare structure would be examined. However, the auto unions are hell-bent on their demands and point at the city fare structure as the lowest in the country.

"Take strict action against those who fleece or misbehave with people. But government should ensure that auto drivers get their due," said Rajender Soni, an auto union leader. The officials explained that auto fare cannot be doubled, but two slabs are being considered. In the first slab, Rs 15 could be charged for first km and thereafter Rs 7 per additional km. In the second slab, first kilometer could be of Rs 12 and Rs 6 for every additional km. "These two slabs are being thought out, but the final decision will only be taken by the cabinet," added the official.