Delhi | Get Prepared To Pay More For Autos, Taxis As Govt Committee Suggests Hike In Fares: Report

The Delhi government panel is likely to recommend a proportionate increase in fares with respect to the rise in CNG prices in the national capital

New Delhi: Amid hike in fuel prices, fares of auto-rickshaws and taxis in the national capital may be increased this week. The Delhi government had set up a committee in April for fare revision of auto-rickshaws and taxis, which is expected to be completed by the end of this week, reported news agency PTI. The committee responsible with fare revision is likely to recommend a proportionate increase with respect to the rise in CNG prices in the national capital, according to the sources of the news agency.

The impending hike in the fares have raised concerns among auto and taxi unions as some of them believe it will stiffen their competition with cab aggregators who offer rides at subsidized rates.

To understand the demands and expectations of drivers closely, some members of the government panel also travelled by taxis and autos for the past two weeks.

“For the last 15 days, officials are roaming around in auto-rickshaws and taxis in Delhi to know the demands of the drivers and their expectations from the fare revision exercise,” informed a source to PTI. The exercise is aimed at getting feedback on the fare revision as they are the major stakeholders.

When is the fare hike expected?

The deadline for submission of the report expires this week, the source informed, adding that the report will be submitted to Delhi Transport Minister Kailash Gahlot and will then go for cabinet approval.

"The committee is likely to finalise its report in the next two days. There have been two meetings of the committee. It is likely to recommend a proportionate enhancement of fares with respect to the CNG prices. The committee has also taken into account the concerns of autorickshaw unions," said the source to PTI.

The Fare Revision Committee is spearheaded by the special commissioner (State Transport Authority). While other members include deputy commissioner and deputy controller of accounts, two nominated district transport officers and a technical expert.

The committee also includes members of civil society, including representatives from resident welfare associations, commuters, and students.

The CNG price in the national capital witnessed a hike by Rs 2 per kg on Sunday, the 12th increase in rates in over two months. One kg of CNG now costs Rs 73.61, up from Rs 71.61 per kg, according to the website of Indraprastha Gas Ltd (IGL) , the firm that retails CNG and piped cooking gas in the national capital and adjoining cities.